The Role: Systems & Innovation Manager

Responsible to: Head of Planning & Innovation

Working Closely with: Team Leads, Deputy Managing Director, Finance Team

Responsible for: IT and key system contracts

Applications close: 10am 21 July 2025

Initial interview date: 31 July 2025

This role will be part of BAC’s Resource & Innovation Team. It may be expected to contribute to a range of workstreams, but the role will primarily lead on all our Systems and Innovation work as set out below. We are aware that candidates for this role may not have worked with some of the software listed in this job description, if you feel that you have experience relevant to this role, please do apply, we are open to exploring training options for candidates who may need to develop in this role.

This role would be suitable for either a full time or part time candidate, please let us know if you think you could do this role but can only work on a part time basis.

General Description 

The Systems and Innovation Manager will lead the development and implementation of projects that improve our internal systems, processes, and digital tools. This role is crucial in driving operational excellence and ensuring we remain agile in a rapidly evolving sector. The role is a new position and will be joining a team with a high appetite for innovation and change, but a lack of capacity to deliver it, resulting from a two-year programme to digitise the organisation

As part of the newly formed Resource & Innovation Team, you will manage our IT and key system contracts and work closely across BAC teams to identify opportunities for improvement, manage system upgrades or transitions, and champion solutions that improve our organisational capabilities and stakeholder experiences. We are not expecting a candidate to have proficiency in all our specific data and software tools, we value candidates with experience in comparable systems and a demonstrated ability to adapt and apply transferable skills. We are open to supporting the right candidate with training at the start of the role for any experience gaps in specific softwares/systems.

The initial project for delivering a range of identified process builds and system integrations is likely to take in the range of 12 – 15 months to deliver, and beyond this, the role will become a key part of BACs [RK3] continuous improvement strategy, leading our internal approach to new income, data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The role will predominantly focus on two aspects:

1. Team Support: Over the last 2 years, BAC has been in receipt of Fidelity Foundation funding and has delivered a digital migration to Microsoft 365. This project has delivered significant change to both culture and infrastructure and the organisation has experienced a range of efficiencies and innovative process improvements. This change has been significant and not without challenges so to deliver its next phase of development, BAC needs a role that can manage IT contracts and systems effectively to support the organisations continued technology growth. This will include maximising functionality of Microsoft 365 internally for communication and project management, alongside optimising our use of event planning and resourcing system, Artifax, alongside other key pieces of software teams utilise.
2. Driving Innovation: We are operating in a sector that innovates in the production of art but lags behind on data literacy and technology adoption within organisations. Over the past two years, the organisation has focused on improving and streamlining its data, laying the foundation for more efficient reporting and aiming toward live, cross-departmental dashboards that track KPIs, financials, and other key decision-making metrics. This role, with external contracted support, will be responsible for streamlining and transforming data into clear, impactful dashboards and visuals, drawing on strong data visualisation skills and working closely with teams across the organisation to understand and meet their specific reporting needs. Long-term they will be responsible for maintaining these reporting systems. This role will be a changemaker who can visualise the potential for the performing arts sector to take great leaps forward in its approach to system innovation and put actions plans in place to lead that change.

The culture at BAC is a collaborative and open one. We work in an open plan space with no closed private offices and frequently work across teams and roles. We are lucky to have an outdoor terrace adjoined to the office which is particularly nice in the summer months. There’s a good culture of people taking lunch breaks away from desks and two equipped kitchen and eating areas where the team tend to spend their down time. We organise regular social events and things can get competitive at our annual sports day and Christmas quiz. Though to be clear, spectating is respected as much as taking part here at BAC!

While we’re looking for someone who will be an embedded and essential part of the team, we welcome flexible working arrangements and applications from candidates based outside of London. 

Job Band

We have a banding system in place for all roles at BAC. Every role is measured against a set of shared characteristics that are plotted on a scale of 1 – 4. The characteristics are defined as follows:

Risk - How much risk the role is associated with, and the extent to which the individual is connected to mitigating and reporting on that risk.

Accountability - The extent to which the role contributes to the decisions, successes, and failures of specific projects and the level of direct expectation of that individual.

Finances - The level of responsibility associated with managing budgets and finances and the requirement on the individual to report, monitor and meet financial targets.

People - The extent to which the role line manages other people and sets expectations and objectives, across both permanent and weekly teams.

Partners - The extent to which the role holds strategic relationships with organisational partners and stakeholders, and/or manages significant contracts associated with the business.

Profile - How prominent the role is both internally and externally including the level of personal association with the BAC brand, and scale of support for the BAC brand involved in the role.

This roles banding: BAND 3

Risk - Level 2 - Many projects this role will deliver will have organisational risks directly connected to them. This role is responsible for reporting but not directly mitigating or taking decisions based on this.

Accountability - Level 2 - The role will have robust delivery targets on which a number of other teams will rely.

Finances - Level 2 - The role is responsible for staying within a fixed budget, however it is not accountable for the setting of or reporting on programme budgets.

People - Level 1 - There are no line management responsibilities in this role.

Partners- Level 2 - The role will have significant partnerships to manage, including building relationships with supported companies, contractors, and other funders.

Profile - Level 2 - BACs approach to tech adoption is becoming more high profile so the role will be used to role model this work in the performing arts sector.

Additional - Level 1 - The role is a specific skills set which is not prevalent in the arts sector and the salary will need to match market price to get the necessary skillset.

Job Description 

Job Area

Description

Strategic/Project Delivery

• Lead end-to-end management of systems and innovation projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are achieved on time and within scope.
• Report on project progress to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Evaluate existing systems and processes to identify areas for improvement or innovation.
• Oversee the procurement and implementation of new digital tools, platforms, and systems.
• Collaborate with IT and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of new technologies.
• Develop and deliver training resources to support staff in adopting new systems.
• Support the development and provision of 3^rd party support packages for the wider arts sector

Team and Collaboration

• Champion a culture of innovation by platforming emerging trends and technologies that could support BAC to be more resilient.
• Design and implement pilot programs to test and evaluate new initiatives with small testing groups who become champions
• Engage colleagues across the organisation to foster buy-in and support for change initiatives.
• Develop strategies to manage resistance to change and ensure smooth transitions.
• Act as a liaison between tech and IT contractors, staff, and leadership to translate technical concepts into accessible language.
• Facilitate workshops and meetings to gather input and align project goals with Team and individual needs.
• Ensure that all systems and innovation projects align with our organisational strategy and values.
• Supporting data collection frameworks to evaluate organisational performance and programme impact.

Skills Contribution

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with digital tools, CRM systems, or workflow automation platforms.
• Leading/Guiding the team with strong data reporting skills and expertise in data visualisation. Analytical skills to assess current systems and propose effective solutions.

Business Delivery 

• Highlight project risks to Head of Team promptly and accurately
• Ensure all spending and contracting is undertaken in line with BAC protocols and guidelines
• Support project working and attend relevant meetings to ensure information flows correctly and efficiently around the organisation
• Lead on the day-to-day upkeep of the BAC Hub (intranet) and support the updating of key information on SharePoint
• Where required, partner with teams to ensure that information is managed in a suitable way.
• Support the Directors to have access to business information delivered in a timely manner in order to support a culture of data driven decision making

General Tasks

• Advise on effective use of MS365 by the team and support the onboarding process through guides and inductions
• Support BAC to role model best practice to the wider sector by attending meetings and sharing knowledge
• Be part of team meetings, share progress, and support the wider teams work utilising skills, expertise and experience as required.
• Be an active participant in BAC’s wider creative life, attending performances and events, and supporting the venue’s public-facing activities.
• Contribute to staff meetings, cross-team collaborations, and organisational initiatives that support BAC’s mission and continuous improvement culture.
• Maintain professional development, staying informed of trends in hospitality, retail, and event services to bring fresh ideas and improvements.
• Ensure that BAC’s values of inclusivity, sustainability, and generosity are reflected in all aspects of your work and team leadership.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the leadership of BAC

Person Specification

When we shortlist, we use these criteria to select the best candidates. 

Criteria

Knowledge:

the understanding of a subject or information that a candidate ha

Essential

• Knowledge of emerging technologies and industry trends, particularly in the arts and creative industries.
• Ability to identify and map business processes and translate them into digital workflows
• Cultural sensitivity to work inclusively and ensure innovations respect diverse perspectives and needs.

Desirable

• Understanding of project management frameworks that fit well with cultural organisations
• Awareness of how arts organisations operate, including funding challenges and sector development needs.
• Familiarity with workflow automation platforms, CRM systems, data analytics tools, and collaboration software.

Experience:

the practical application of the knowledge that a candidate has acquired through working or living

Essential

• Track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and achieving measurable outcomes.
• Experience in guiding and supporting project teams to achieve shared goals.
• Budget management, including allocating and monitoring financial resources for projects.

Desirable

• Experience integrating multiple digital systems (CRM, Finance, HR Marketing, Ticketing Platforms).
• Demonstrable understanding of APIs and automation tools (e.g. Zapier/Power Automate)
• Experience leading change initiatives and ensuring stakeholder buy-in.
• Experience procuring, managing and evaluating IT service contracts and support providers.
• Experience developing and delivering training sessions to help staff adopt new tools or systems.

Skills:

the specific abilities that a candidate has acquired through practice or training

Essential 

• Highly skilled with MS365, particularly excel, with proven data visualisation and report building expertise preferably PowerBI
• High numeracy and ability to work with complex data
• Organisation and planning to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently.
• Accurate and robust risk management to anticipate, mitigate, and manage risks that could impact project delivery. 
• Data-driven decision-making to analyse data and measure project success.
• Communication skills to articulate ideas clearly for different audiences.
• Collaboration to foster a cooperative environment across cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to navigate evolving priorities and challenges.
• Documentation and reporting to create clear and comprehensive project reports.

Desirable 

• Basic programming/scripting skills, cybersecurity awareness especially around data protection

Values:

the behaviours a candidate should be able to demonstrate

BACs values reflect the motto inscribed the walls of our old Town Hall building “Not for me, not for you, but for us”. We are inclusive and kind.

We expect all our staff to live this motto in their approach to work and BACs mission.

Terms & Conditions

This role is 5 days a week Monday-Friday; usual office hours are 10am-6pm. We offer flexible working where possible.

Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. All staff at Battersea Arts Centre are expected to attend performances and events and be a part of the artistic life of the organisation.

Category

Details

Salary

£30,000-£35,000,000 gross per annum

Hours

35 hours per week, excluding a daily one-hour lunch break

Overtime

No overtime payments; TOIL system

Annual Leave

4 weeks per year, pro rata (5 weeks following one full year of service)

Probation period

6 months, with a 3 month review

Notice period

2 months

Contract Period

Permanent

Pension Scheme

BAC’s pension scheme provided by NEST

Staff Benefits

Complimentary tickets (subject to availability and staff ticket policy)

Employment Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured,

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discount in the BAC cafe (subject to discount policy)

5 Development Days (pro rata)