Shape one of the world’s most distinctive cultural cities. Manchester is a global cultural city with a powerful local identity. Culture is central to the city’s growth, regeneration and sense of place. Following the announcement that Dave Moutrey is retiring, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Culture & Creative Industries to lead at a pivotal moment.
This is one of the most senior local authority culture roles in the UK, with significant national and international influence. The role provides strategic leadership for Manchester’s cultural and creative ecosystem, from world‑class institutions and major events to grassroots venues, creative businesses and neighbourhood‑based activity.
Responsibilities
- Provide clear, visible leadership for culture, creative industries and major cultural programmes.
- Chair and strengthen citywide governance, including the Cultural Strategy Partnership Board, Creative Industries Leadership Group and Events Commission.
- Lead significant capital, commissioning and regeneration activity linked to culture and creative industries.
- Secure investment and drive innovation, commercial development and cross‑sector partnerships.
- Represent and advocate for Manchester locally, nationally and internationally with government, funders and global cultural networks.
- Lead and grow a multidisciplinary service, building new creative industries capacity within the Council.
- Provide politically astute, emotionally intelligent and confident communication to navigate complex issues, convene diverse partners and deliver at pace.
- Possess deep understanding of UK cultural policy, the role of local government and be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and neighbourhood access.
Qualifications
Nationally credible cultural leader with significant senior‑level experience in the cultural or creative industries, public sector or similar complex environments. A strong track record in creative industries development, investment and partnership working, alongside financial and commercial acumen is required.
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Additional leave can be purchased up to two extra weeks.
- Participation in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top‑up. Includes life cover of three‑times salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and care leave to support family responsibilities.
- Discounts on shopping, holidays, MCR+ membership, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, flu jabs, eye tests and more.
- Learning and development opportunities through workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
- Commitment to secure, flexible work and fair payment, supported by a Good Employment Charter and health & wellbeing benefits.
- Up to three days paid voluntary leave per year.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and gender identities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and maintain a disability‑friendly workplace.
Support During the Process
- Interview adjustments are available upon request.
- Accessible formats such as text‑to‑speech and adjustable text size are provided on the careers page.
Requirements for Application
Applicants must meet the minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following:
- Members of the Armed Forces or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Individuals with a disability or long‑term condition
Other Relevant Information
We will provide adjustments, aids or equipment necessary to undertake the role. If a task cannot be performed, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.
Legal and Employment Information
Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.
Pre‑employment checks will apply as per the role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr”, “datePosted”: “2026-05-15”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Manchester City Council”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__432624315__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=19285” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Manchester” } } }Shape one of the world’s most distinctive cultural cities. Manchester is a global cultural city with a powerful local identity. Culture is central to the city’s growth, regeneration and sense of place. Following the announcement that Dave Moutrey is retiring, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Culture & Creative Industries to lead at a pivotal moment.
This is one of the most senior local authority culture roles in the UK, with significant national and international influence. The role provides strategic leadership for Manchester’s cultural and creative ecosystem, from world‑class institutions and major events to grassroots venues, creative businesses and neighbourhood‑based activity.
Responsibilities
- Provide clear, visible leadership for culture, creative industries and major cultural programmes.
- Chair and strengthen citywide governance, including the Cultural Strategy Partnership Board, Creative Industries Leadership Group and Events Commission.
- Lead significant capital, commissioning and regeneration activity linked to culture and creative industries.
- Secure investment and drive innovation, commercial development and cross‑sector partnerships.
- Represent and advocate for Manchester locally, nationally and internationally with government, funders and global cultural networks.
- Lead and grow a multidisciplinary service, building new creative industries capacity within the Council.
- Provide politically astute, emotionally intelligent and confident communication to navigate complex issues, convene diverse partners and deliver at pace.
- Possess deep understanding of UK cultural policy, the role of local government and be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and neighbourhood access.
Qualifications
Nationally credible cultural leader with significant senior‑level experience in the cultural or creative industries, public sector or similar complex environments. A strong track record in creative industries development, investment and partnership working, alongside financial and commercial acumen is required.
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Additional leave can be purchased up to two extra weeks.
- Participation in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with options to top‑up. Includes life cover of three‑times salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and care leave to support family responsibilities.
- Discounts on shopping, holidays, MCR+ membership, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, flu jabs, eye tests and more.
- Learning and development opportunities through workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications.
- Commitment to secure, flexible work and fair payment, supported by a Good Employment Charter and health & wellbeing benefits.
- Up to three days paid voluntary leave per year.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and gender identities. We are a Disability Confident Employer and maintain a disability‑friendly workplace.
Support During the Process
- Interview adjustments are available upon request.
- Accessible formats such as text‑to‑speech and adjustable text size are provided on the careers page.
Requirements for Application
Applicants must meet the minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the following:
- Members of the Armed Forces or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Individuals with a disability or long‑term condition
Other Relevant Information
We will provide adjustments, aids or equipment necessary to undertake the role. If a task cannot be performed, we will consider redesigning parts of the role.
Legal and Employment Information
Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.
Pre‑employment checks will apply as per the role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…