Section Principal Percussion, BBC CO

BBC Studios Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading broadcasting organization in London seeks a Section Principal Percussion for the BBC Concert Orchestra. The role involves maintaining high musical standards, leading the percussion section, and traveling throughout the UK for performances. Candidates should possess excellent orchestral playing ability and effective leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and favorable working conditions, including flexible hours and generous leave. Apply by January 19th, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo percussion playing ability.
• Knowledge of the repertoire of the BBC Concert Orchestra.
• Ability to lead collaboratively and inspire others.

Responsibilities

• Act as Section Principal Percussion, maintaining high musical standards.
• Lead the Section with effective team leadership.
• Travel throughout the UK for tours and work evening/weekend shifts.

Skills

Professional orchestral percussion playing ability

La technique

Effective people management skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Contract type: Continuing (permanent), Full‑time.

Department: BBC Concert Orchestra.

Location: Broadcasting House, London.

Application Process

To apply, register on Musicalchairs and complete the short information form by Monday 19th January 2026. Follow the instructions in the application link for audition details. Applications must be submitted via Musicalchairs.

About the BBC Concert Orchestra

The mission of the BBC Concert Orchestra is to bring inspiring musical experiences to everyone, everywhere, with the ensemble’s versatility as the key. For BBC Radio 3, the Orchestra explores a wide selection of classical and contemporary music and is broadcast weekly on Friday Night is Music Night. It has performed on many soundtracks, including Blue Planet, Serengeti and Wild Isles for BBC One, as well as recording new music for BBC Sounds’ Music & Meditation podcast and George the Poet’s award‑winning, Have You Heard George’s Podcast? In 2022, it recorded Isobel Waller‑Bridge's score for Charlie Mackesy’s Oscar‑winning animated film, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. It also performs in BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room Month for BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, featuring artists including Raye, P!nk and Petshop Boys.

The orchestra appears regularly at London's Southbank Centre, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall and venues across the UK, and makes annual appearances at the BBC Proms. The BBC CO offers enjoyable and innovative education and community activities. It has a partnership with the universities in Nottingham, and is involved in programmes including Create Yarmouth, BBC Ten Pieces, the BBC Young Composer competition, the BBC Open Music programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Section Principal Percussion, doubling as required.
• Maintain the highest musical standards, exhibiting excellent solo and orchestral playing ability.
• Lead the Section with effective team leadership, supporting a full role in the life of the Orchestra.
• Travel throughout the UK, tour as required and work evening and weekend shifts.

Essential Criteria

• Excellent professional orchestral and solo percussion playing ability, including La technique.
• Knowledge of the range of repertoire of the BBC Concert Orchestra.
• Ability to lead collaboratively, inspire, and motivate members of the Section.
• Effective people and performance management skills, including constructive feedback and decision‑making.
• Good interpersonal skills, establishing harmonious relationships with diverse colleagues.
• Commitment to uphold the reputation of the Orchestra.
• Active participation within a diverse team, supporting colleagues.
• Respect for others and preparedness to play at the start of every session.
• Planning ahead to prepare parts and optimise resources.
• Awareness of health and safety issues.

Closing Date

Applications close Monday 19th January 2026.

Disclaimer

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, its principal accountabilities, and the skills, knowledge and experience required. It is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Employment Conditions

The BBC will conduct employment screening checks, including reference checks, eligibility to work checks, safeguarding and adverse media/social media checks. Any offer is conditional on satisfactory completion of these checks.

Redeployment consideration: the BBC will consider employees seeking redeployment alongside those at risk of redundancy.

Benefits

• Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package.
• Flexible 35‑hour working week.
• 25 days annual leave, with option to buy an extra 5 days.
• Defined pension scheme.
• Discounted dental, health care and gym.
• Excellent career and professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Values‑based organisation.

Employer Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

The BBC welcomes applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion or belief. The BBC values diversity and strives to reflect its audiences.

We are a disability‑confident employer. For adjustments or access requirements, contact [e-mail].

Contact

BBC Group and Public Services, Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, UK, W1A 1AA.
BBC Studios Distribution Limited, company no. 01420028, registered address: 1 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London, UK W12 7FA.