At art-K, we believe art can transform confidence, inspire curiosity and bring communities together. We’re looking for an exceptional Art Teacher & Branch Manager in Chelmsford, Essex, to lead our creative studio, deliver inspiring art classes and build a thriving community for artists of all ages.

This is an opportunity for someone who combines artistic expertise with people leadership and commercial awareness. Perhaps you’ve managed an art centre, run community art workshops, led a creative team or helped grow an arts-based business. Now you’re ready to bring those skills together in a role where you can make a genuine difference.

What will you be doing?

Lead and grow a creative studio

Take ownership of the day-to-day running of our Chelmsford art studio, from team leadership and resource management to maintaining excellent teaching standards and creating a welcoming environment for every student.

Inspire artists of all ages

Deliver engaging, skills-based art classes for children and adults, adapting your teaching to different abilities, interests and learning styles. From drawing and painting to mixed media and sculpture, you’ll help students develop their skills and confidence.

Build a thriving local community

Develop relationships with families, schools, local businesses and community groups. Promote classes and workshops, explore outreach opportunities and help establish art-K as a valued part of the Chelmsford community.

Bring commercial thinking to creativity

Use your initiative and business acumen to respond to enquiries, strengthen parent and student relationships, encourage long-term retention and identify opportunities to grow studio capacity and revenue.

Develop and motivate your team

Lead, support and inspire Art Teachers and Art Assistants, creating a positive studio culture where people feel valued, supported and motivated to deliver their best.

What will make you stand out?

We’re looking for someone who can bring together creativity, education, leadership and business thinking.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree in art, fine art, illustration, design or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong practical artistic skills across a range of media, such as drawing, painting, watercolour, acrylics, oils, pastels, clay and mixed media.

• Experience teaching children, with the confidence and enthusiasm to engage adult learners too.

• Previous experience managing an art centre, creative studio, community arts programme, workshops or a similar people-focused operation.

• Experience leading a team, coordinating activities and managing day-to-day operations.

• Commercial awareness, including an understanding of customer engagement, marketing, retention, budgets or business growth.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the wider community.

Above all, you’ll be proactive, organised and resourceful. You’ll enjoy taking ownership, solving problems and turning creative ideas into practical results.

Why join art-K?

With more than 8,500 students attending art-K classes every week, you’ll join a growing network of artists and educators who believe in the power of creativity.

You’ll benefit from:

• A competitive salary of £32,500–£36,500 per annum.

• A full-time, permanent position with meaningful leadership responsibility.

• Training, mentoring and support from our central team and senior leadership.

• Opportunities to develop your leadership skills and progress into senior roles.

• The chance to build lasting relationships with your local community and make a visible impact through art education.

Working hours

This is a full-time, five-day role with the following regular timetable:

• Tuesday: 1:30 pm – 9:30 pm

• Wednesday: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm

• Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Please ensure these working hours suit your availability before applying.

Ready to make your mark in Chelmsford?

If you’re an experienced artist who loves teaching, thrives on bringing people together and has the drive to lead and grow a creative business, we’d love to hear from you.

Tell us about your artistic background, your experience managing creative activities or teams, and how you would bring your ideas to life at our Chelmsford studio.