Senior Project Manager Venice

British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service. This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview. Role purpose To lead and manage the delivery of the International Architecture and Art exhibitions at the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale each year, as a recognised expert in project management and exhibition delivery, to ensure that the exhibitions and all associated programming are delivered to the highest possible standard within budget and to schedule. As the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale is a flagship programme within the Arts portfolio, the role leads on liaising with key partners and stakeholders, practitioners (artists, galleries, architects), partners, organisations, suppliers, contractors and stakeholders (in the UK, Italy and other countries) and managing relationships internally and is responsible for the management of the Venice Project team, setting tasks and deliverables, ensuring that these are met within agreed schedule and budget through the creation and management of a critical path for both projects. The Senior Project Manager Venice line manages the Venice Fellowships Partnerships and Project Manager and the Venice Project Coordinator. The Role This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). CE brings together our portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. Our UK arts team works with the arts and culture sector in the UK, and our global network of offices, to achieve significant impact and change by finding new ways of connecting and seeing each other through the arts. Our work is delivered through four global programmes: Culture Connects supports artistic and cultural exchange between the UK and countries internationally; Spotlights on Culture engages and represents the UK's cultural diversity and creativity at high-profile cultural events; Creative Economy analyses creative ecosystems and highlights emerging trends and areas of convergence and difference between creative economies; Arts Responds to Global Challenges celebrates the transformative power of arts and culture to change attitudes and the protection and promotion of cultural expression, diversity and heritage at risk. Accountabilities/Responsibilities: Strategy and planning

• Contributes to the development of both the medium-term strategy and annual business plan for the Biennales and the Pavilion building management.
Leadership and management
• Sets and oversees the work plan for delivery of each exhibition and the Fellowships and building maintenance programmes, leading a range of internal and external staff based in the UK and Italy to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
• Formal line management of Venice Project Coordinator and Fellowship Partnerships and Project Manager roles.
• Champions an inclusive organisational culture with opportunities for continuous professional development. Actively contributes to the British Council's anti-racism action plan and EDI strategy.
Project and Programme Management
• Oversees the commissioning process alongside production and delivery of the exhibitions.
• Sets in place a clear structure and implements project management tools including but not limited to roles and responsibilities, deliverables, meeting structures, reporting and issue escalation procedures. Ensures all aspects of the programme are of high quality, financially sustainable and aligned to the British Council's strategic priorities while reflecting the needs of external stakeholders and demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
• Sets in place clear plans for delivery of the commissions and exhibitions. Monitors and tracks project progress against the master timeline to ensure smooth delivery.
• Manages the annual selection process working closely with the Commissioners to identify, organise and manage selection advisory committees which reflect the diversity of the UK sector.
• Establishes a sound evaluation structure to ensure that the exhibitions achieve set objectives and targets.
• Oversees the Fellowships Partnerships and Project Manager, ensuring that the highest quality programme is delivered, is cost neutral and meets the objectives.
• Coordinates with the events, business development, press and marketing, external relations teams activities for the Biennales.
• Within agreed delegated authority levels, negotiates, procures and authorises contracts and variations across each exhibition and in relation to the building management.
• Oversees the delivery of any Tour of the exhibition, liaising and contracting with Venues as required.
Relationship and stakeholder management
• Develops trust-based relationships with a range of key practitioners, partners, suppliers and stakeholders in the UK and Italy to ensure the smooth delivery of the exhibitions and Pavilion maintenance.
• Drafts and negotiates key partnership contracts in a timely manner in order to manage expectations and ensure positive working relationships.
Financial management
• Using agreed British Council systems and processes, plans and manages the exhibition and pavilion management budget.
• Conducts quarterly and year-end reporting on income and expenditure, adhering and contributing to risk management and operational processes, and actively applying learning to improve financial planning, management and performance.
• Supports creation of a sustainable business model for the Biennale and British Pavilion, identifying areas of efficiencies and cost savings and works with the Development team on strategies for sponsorship and in-kind support.
  
  Project management qualification, such as Prince 2 or equivalent
• Good, knowledge of contemporary British art and architecture
• Experience of working with artists and/ or architects
• Evidence of the ability to make critical judgements and difficult decisions to ensure project success.
• A proven track record of project managing large-scale complex projects and exhibitions involving a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience of managing large teams in a complex matrix including formal line management
• Proven exceptional contract negotiation and relationship management skills
• Motivation and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and anti-racism, demonstrated through an understanding of the British Council's approach and of equality considerations relevant to the role, and examples of behaviours and decisions or actions that contribute to a more inclusive organisational culture or to a more inclusive programme, product or services
Desirable
• Italian at proficiency level
• Experience with working in an international context or with different cultures.
• Experience of building management and legal compliance in relation to health and safety.
• Experience of reporting to project boards and/ or steering groups.
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021-22 we reached 650 million people., The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Council's Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.


• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme
• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience you've built up working in and/or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world.