Head of Concerts and Music Planning

Job Description

The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Head of Concerts & Music Planning to join the team. We want you to help us deliver this unparalleled celebration of the performing arts, which brings some of the most exciting and creative artists working today to audiences from around the world.

EIF is an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and applications from candidates of all communities and backgrounds. Inclusive culture is the foundation for a successful workplace, this is a key focus for us across our staff, our artists, and our audiences.

To increase the diversity of our staff, our recruitment includes the Rooney Rule - regarding ethnicity – and Disability Confident Scheme for interviews. For more information go to our website.

The Role:
The Head of Concerts & Music Planning primary responsibility is to manage the music department and the delivery of all music elements of the Festival including artist deals, planning and scheduling, through to oversight of performances, and managing the wider music team.

The International Festival’s regular music programme spans orchestral, chamber, traditional, folk and contemporary styles, as well staged opera and opera in concert.

Festival Director Nicola Benedetti’s vision is to create the deepest level of experience, through the highest quality of art, for the broadest possible audience. Innovations in the presentation of all music performances are key to this vision, and have commenced with the creation of an informal music venue at the Festival’s home The Hub, presenting beanbag concerts at the Usher Hall, and creating programmes that give insight into repertoire and the musicians that perform the music. This is an exciting time to join the Programme Department as we continue to explore and develop the possibilities offered by Nicola Benedetti’s vision for the Festival.

The post involves a high degree of management, planning and co-ordination, working closely with orchestras, ensembles and their agents, venues, composers and their publishers, and other organisations such as the BBC.

It is anticipated that the successful applicant will have a background working in a music festival, music venue, an opera house, with an orchestra, ensemble or an agent, and will have a detailed knowledge of the classical music repertoire.

Performance Indicators and Deliverables
• Delivery of the Festival’s music programmes;
• Oversee and manage the Music Department;
• Negotiate and manage deals for the Festival’s music programme;
• Detailed management and oversight of all music elements in the programme;
• Disseminate music programme information internally;
• Manage the detailed scheduling of rehearsals and performances;
• Ensure the smooth and effective running of concerts during the Festival period.

Learn about our Employee Benefits

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 5:00pm

Due to the high volume of applications received for this role, it is possible the job opening will close before the application closing date. We advise you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Funded by The City of Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland.
Registered charity number SC004694.