Senior Project Manager (Live Events)

Application Deadline: 1 November 2026

Department: Live Events

Location: London

Compensation: £45,000 - £48,000 / year

Description We’re seeking a Senior Project Manager to join the Commercial department, working within the Live Events team and alongside the Projects team to oversee the development and delivery of high-quality, large-scale events across Somerset House’s Grade 1 listed building. We are looking for an experienced and proactive project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands on delivery. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of delivering ambitious, multidisciplinary cultural programmes, with experience of managing high-quality events and installations across a range of artforms, venues and settings, including large scale outdoor events.

This role will take the lead on the Live Events team’s two flagship projects: Summer Series – Somerset House’s annual 11-night live music series, and SKATE , our renowned festive ice rink. Working closely with colleagues across the Projects team, this role will also oversee the planning and delivery of a growing portfolio of third-party cultural programming, including art Fairs and partnerships.

What we are looking for: Project Management

• Lead the successful delivery of Summer Series (July) and SKATE (Nov - Jan), developing and managing project plans, delivering against key milestones, and overseeing all operational and logistical aspects of both events.
• Work with the Head of Projects and Senior Project Manager (Projects) to develop and deliver new projects and events, providing both creative and practical input.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders including promoters, art fair organisers, suppliers, sponsors and artists, ensuring clear communication, effective collaboration and strong client satisfaction.
• Work closely with the Development team to build and maintain relationships with sponsors, stakeholders and strategic partners, acting as key point of contact throughout project delivery.
• Working alongside the Production Manager, Visitor Experience, Estates team and the Senior Project Manager (Projects), ensure health & safety standards and operational procedures are consistently implemented and adhered to across all projects.
• Collaborate with the Audience teams on event communications and ticketing strategies, overseeing ticketing set up and delivery.
• Work closely with Production Managers to support supplier management, contract delivery and project implementation.
• Take a lead event management role on site, overseeing delivery and managing Producer responsibilities during build, live and derig periods.
• Work collaboratively across Somerset House, bringing together internal stakeholders from multiple teams to ensure projects are planned and delivered efficiently and are fully integrated with wider site activity.

Line Management

• Lead, manage, and develop 2x Producers, providing clear direction and support to enable high performance, growth and effective delivery across the Live Events team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture, empowering reports to take ownership of their work while ensuring resources are effectively planned and allocated.
• Hold regular 1-1 meetings with 2x direct reports, providing feedback, setting objectives, reviewing performance, and identifying development opportunities.

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 communica…