Job Status: Full Time, Ongoing

Salary: Base salary of $159,519 per annum plus 12% Superannuation Contributions

Applications Close: Friday 6 March 2026 at 11:55pm

Role Enquires: [email protected]

Online Application Support: Frequently Asked Questions

An organisation where diversity of thought and experience is valued, supported and respected.

THE HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House occupies a unique place in the cultural landscape. A globally recognised icon synonymous with inspiration and imagination, it’s one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and a World Heritage masterpiece that belongs to the people of NSW. Driving this incredible place is a team of passionate and dedicated people. Join us in shaping the Opera House’s future and be provided with opportunities to grow and develop while making a positive contribution to our community.

The Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder – on and off the stage. We bring people together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As set out in the Sydney Opera House Strategy 2024-2026, our ambition is to be Everyone’s House. To make this real, we are focused on four themes that underpin our organisational values (Creativity, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Collaboration and Care):

- Everyone feels welcome here.
- We better understand and connect with the community.
- We are future ready.
- We lead and inspire positive change.

For more information about the Sydney Opera House please refer to our website.

YOUR NEW ROLE

Step into leadership at the intersection of creativity and impact. As Head of Programming Operations at Sydney Opera House Presents,



you’ll power the day‑to‑day engine behind extraordinary artistic experiences. From business systems and workflow to people leadership, reporting and risk management, you’ll ensure bold ideas become brilliantly delivered realities.

This is a senior role for a team-oriented, strategic thinker who thrives on building inclusive teams, strengthening partnerships and aligning artistic ambition with operational excellence.

If you’re passionate about empowering people, optimising performance, and delivering outstanding cultural experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Further detailed information about the role and its requirements can be obtained from the role description.

ARE YOU THE ONE?

Key Responsibilities/skills:

- Extensive senior leadership experience in theatre or live events, ideally as a General Manager or senior leader in a small–medium arts organisation.
- Proven ability to lead teams, allocate work effectively and build a cohesive, high‑performing culture focused on staff development.
- Strong financial management capability, including high‑level budgeting, oversight of overheads, and project‑based financial accountability.
- Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and delivering commercial‑level outputs across multiple concurrent programs.




- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of board‑level reports and confident, diplomatic stakeholder and client management.
- Advanced knowledge of business systems (Microsoft Office, databases, ticketing, financial and event management platforms) and how they integrate operationally.
- Strong operational oversight skills, including process improvement, risk mitigation, workflow management and cross‑department coordination.
- Highly adaptable, detail‑oriented problem‑solver able to manage competing programming demands in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.

THE PERKS

The Sydney Opera House give you access to a fantastic range of benefits including:

- 10% off onsite food and beverage outlets like Opera Bar and First Nations restaurant Midden.
- 5 weeks’ annual leave for all ongoing and temporary staff.
- Access to salary packaging and discounted health insurance.
- Access to a range of professional development programs and staff engagement initiatives.
- Staff community groups like SOH Pride, First Nations Staff Network, Sustainable Environmental Action Leaders (SEALs) and more.
- Fitness Passport and complimentary wellbeing programs including pilates, yoga, circuit classes, physiotherapy sessions as well as other wellbeing initiatives.
- Working for an organisation with a 6 Star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
- Working for an organisation committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the world’s first arts organisation to join the UN’s Global Compact, an international sustainability initiative designed to build a better future

📌 Head of Programming Operations (City of Sydney)
🏢 Sydney Opera House
📍 City of Sydney