UK Festival Director

Description

For more than four decades, WOMAD has brought people together through music, culture, creativity and discovery. Founded on the belief that cultural exchange can broaden perspectives and create meaningful human connection, WOMAD has become one of the world's most celebrated cultural festivals, welcoming artists and audiences from across the globe. As part of the wider Real World Group, founded by Peter Gabriel, WOMAD combines a rich legacy with an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to shaping the future of cultural experiences.

Following its successful move to Neston Park, WOMAD enters an exciting new chapter. With strong foundations in place, the festival is focused on securing long-term sustainability, growing audiences, strengthening partnerships and ensuring it remains culturally relevant, creatively ambitious and financially resilient for generations to come.

We are now seeking an exceptional Festival Director to lead WOMAD UK through this next phase of development. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer of Real World Group and working closely with the WOMAD Board and key stakeholders, including Peter Gabriel, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most respected cultural festivals.

As UK Festival Director, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for WOMAD UK, developing a clear vision and long-term plan for the festival's future growth and sustainability.
• Lead the successful planning and delivery of the annual festival, ensuring an outstanding experience for audiences, artists, partners and stakeholders.
• Drive commercial performance, strengthening financial sustainability and resilience through sponsorship, partnerships, audience growth and new income opportunities.
• Balance creative ambition with commercial sustainability, working closely with the Programming Director to support world-class cultural programming.
• Lead and inspire a small, high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and values-led culture.
• Maintain oversight of festival operations, governance, risk management, health and safety, safeguarding and audience welfare.
• Build strong relationships across WOMAD, Real World, local partners, commercial sponsors, public bodies and the wider international WOMAD network.

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• A successful track record of leading complex organisations, events, festivals or customer-focused operations.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience delivering sustainable growth and managing significant budgets.
• Experience developing sponsorships, partnerships or commercial opportunities that align with organisational values.
• A proven ability to lead teams and deliver high-profile public-facing experiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to work effectively with boards, partners and senior external stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing operational delivery, governance, compliance, risk management and public safety.
• A collaborative leadership style, cultural curiosity and a genuine passion for the role that arts, culture and creativity play in bringing people together.

Candidates may come from festivals, arts and culture, live events, visitor attractions, entertainment, media, hospitality or other customer-focused sectors. Most importantly, you will combine strategic leadership, commercial credibility and operational excellence with a commitment to preserving what makes WOMAD unique.

WOMAD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. We warmly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Jennie Wood, Research Lead
jennie.wood@gatenbysanderson.com

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner
rebekah.herz-bauman@gatenbysanderson.com

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