Chair

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 7th March.

Location: The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD

Lead the future of Woolwich Works as Chair of the Board. Home to world-class companies like Chineke! Orchestra and Acosta Dance Foundation. Woolwich Works is London’s newest cultural hub in the iconic Royal Arsenal. We’re seeking a visionary leader passionate about the arts, with strategic expertise and a commitment to diversity, to guide this exciting charity through its next chapter. Join us in shaping an inclusive, thriving cultural landmark for Southeast London and beyond.

Who we are.

One of London’s largest cultural and live event hubs, Woolwich Works, is a multi-disciplinary venue across multiple buildings in the historic Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. The landmark venue opened in September 2021 and was recently named London’s ‘best new culture spot’. The exciting, ever-changing programme of entertaining and inspirational live performances includes cutting-edge contemporary music, award-winning stand-up comedy, theatre, dance, cabaret and everything in between.

About the role.

The Chair of Woolwich Works will provide strong and empowering leadership to the Board and the organisation, ensuring capable and effective decision-making that underpins stability, growth and development. You will ensure the effectiveness of the Board by maintaining clarity of vision, a focus on key strategic issues, and robust governance practices. As a critical friend and mentor to the Chief Executive, the Chair will offer challenge, counsel, and support, fostering a productive and collaborative relationship while respecting executive responsibility.

You will also oversee the renewal of the Board, shaping its composition, and maximising the contributions of individual Trustees to create a supportive and effective environment.

Who we are looking for.

We seek a senior leader with a proven track record of serving on a Board as a Chair, Director or Committee Chair. You will have strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, enabling you to serve as an effective ambassador for Woolwich Works and engage stakeholders at all levels. Your strategic, commercial, and financial acumen will support the Trust’s development as a self-funding and commercially sustainable organisation.

You will lead and inspire the Board, chairing meetings effectively while ensuring a focus on governance and strategy. Your ability to balance governance responsibilities with the operational demands on the CEO will be crucial, acting as a “critical friend” through mentorship and constructive challenge. You will navigate political relationships with tact and diplomacy, raising Woolwich Works’ profile and championing its mission.

Your enthusiasm for the arts and creative industries will drive your commitment to regeneration and place-making. Experience in the arts or creative industries is desirable, but your leadership and vision will be central to Woolwich Works’ success.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 7th March.