Financial Management and Governance

• Prepare, implement, and monitor project budgets, tracking profit and loss performance, and providing regular reporting and forecasting to support informed decision making.
• Where required, work with the Head of Live or Head of Projects to develop financial models and business cases for new projects and opportunities, supporting commercial evaluation and risk assessment.
• Oversee the effective management and reconciliation of project budgets, providing regular financial updates to the Head of Live Events and Head of Projects.
• Negotiate contractual terms with partners, suppliers, and stakeholders, drafting and managing agreements in collaboration with Somerset House’s Head of Legal.
• Establish and maintain effective project management systems, processes, and documentation to ensure consistent delivery across all projects.
• Schedule, chair, and coordinate project meetings - setting agendas, managing communications, recording actions, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Produce regular project reports, actively managing risks, issues, and mitigations, and lead comprehensive project debriefs to capture learning and drive continuous improvement.
• Work with the Head of Live Events and Head of Projects to identify opportunities to improve ways of working, increase income, reduce expenditure, and enhance project delivery.
• Lead the accredited supplier tender process for Live Events - managing procurement, contract negotiations, and supplier onboarding. Once finalised, set review process and maintain excellent working relationships with all suppliers.
• Work with the Head of Operations and Senior Project Manager (Projects) to review and maintain venue policies, procedures, and compliance, ensuring they remain current and effective.

General Responsibilities

• Actively support and promote Somerset House's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the workplace, project teams, and public-facing events.
• Contribute to the wider objectives of the Commercial department and Somerset House, taking on additional responsibilities as required and supporting the successful delivery of projects and events across the organisation.

Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role:

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant experience delivering large-scale, high-quality, public events and installations across a range of artforms and locations, including large-scale outdoor events within a complex or unique venue.
• Strong project management experience, including developing critical paths, managing multiple workstreams, and delivering against key milestones.
• Experience building and managing senior stakeholder relationships, including sponsors, partners, artists, and suppliers, with experience of contract negotiation and management.
• Experience of developing projects from concept through to delivery, including working with artists on new commissions and assessing project feasibility and financial viability.
• Experience managing and developing direct reports through effective leadership.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets, monitoring financial performance, and overseeing profit and loss.
• Experience of operational and health & safety management, including risk assessments.
• Experienced leading supplier tender processes.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and confidently.
• A proactive and solution-focused approach, with strong judgment and the ability to make informed decisions independently.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain attention to detail under pressure.
• Ability to translate complex information, schedules, and plans into clear and concise communications.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities for improvement.
• A collaborative, flexible approach, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A commitment to & enthusiasm for Somerset House’s vision, values, and cultural programme.

Benefits to working at Somerset House

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed.
• Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)*.
• Contribution towards eye tests and glasses.
• Trust life insurance scheme.
• We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers.

* dependent on the needs of the role.

Holiday

• Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Birthday leave - additional day leave.
• Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice.

Other Leave

• Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service).
• Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service).
• Enhanced maternity pay.

Benefits

• 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*.
• Option for salary sacrifice.
• Season ticket loan.
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Discounts, offers, and free stuff

• The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites.
• Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants.
• Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants.
• Discounts to local leisure centres.

*following 3 months of employment.