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- Tasks: Lead and support cultural initiatives, managing key relationships across the North.
- Company: Join Arts Council England, a champion for culture and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a final salary pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through arts and culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in line management and stakeholder engagement is essential.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 50468 - 50468 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours. Salary: £50,468 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Leeds or Manchester. The role will be based in any of the locations listed; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
Introduction: We welcome applications to this Senior Relationship Manager role at Arts Council England. In this role, you’ll play a key part in developing and supporting cultural and creative activity in the North. You’ll be a critical part of our team, helping to initiate, develop and maintain key stakeholder relationships, investments and development programmes that catalyse creative ambition and opportunity.
Role details:
- Work collaboratively as part of the North Area Management Team to help shape, monitor and manage our grant investments across the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humberside.
- Lead, line manage and support a team of Relationship Managers working across a range of specialisms with artists, communities, arts organisations, museums, and libraries.
- Work frequently with external stakeholders like Local Authorities, Combined Authorities, Universities and other funders to support investment, cultural strategy and development in our places of interest.
- Contribute broadly across the North and feed into national Arts Council development activities and major projects in your specialist areas of knowledge.
- Work closely with local colleagues from Arts Council and the cultural sector across the North West to support each other and the delivery of Arts Council’s 10 year strategy, Let’s Create.
You will have relevant experience in line management and be passionate about the difference arts, culture, and creativity can make to people’s lives. You will have strong relationship or stakeholder management experience, as well as an understanding of place-based working and how it applies to cultural development. For this vacancy we particularly welcome applications from candidates with a strong working knowledge and experience of equality, diversity and inclusion within the context of cultural development and the growth of creative and cultural industries in the North.
This is a rewarding and busy role so you’ll need the ability to absorb and analyse complex information quickly and prioritise competing demands. You’ll be a strong collaborator and communicator, and someone who can support, manage and mentor our teams to deliver their objectives.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own.
Job ref: ND4
Closing date: 5pm, 11 May 2026
1st Interview: (virtual) 27 May 2026
2nd Interview: (In person) 10 June 2026
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
Senior Relationship Manager employer: ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
Contact Detail:
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Relationship Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the arts and culture scene. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for arts and culture shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their mission and make a real impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Know their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do in the arts sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Relationship Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with Arts Council's mission and values. This will help you tailor your application to show how your passion aligns with our goals.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, make sure your responses are clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward answers that highlight your relevant experience and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Show Your Passion: Don’t hold back on expressing your enthusiasm for arts, culture, and creativity! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to cultural development or community engagement in your previous roles.
Follow the Guidelines: Remember, we don’t accept CVs or cover letters, so stick to the application format provided. Make sure to read through the application guidance carefully to ensure you’re providing all the necessary information.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND.
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders you’ll be working with in this role. Understand their interests and how they align with the Arts Council's mission. This will help you demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support cultural development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in line management and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've mentored others and contributed to their professional growth, as this is crucial for the Senior Relationship Manager position.
✨Emphasise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Given the importance of EDI in this role, come ready to discuss your understanding and experience in promoting equality and diversity within cultural contexts. Highlight any initiatives you've been part of that support these values, as it shows your commitment to the Arts Council's goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing demands. Think of examples where you've had to analyse complex information quickly and prioritise effectively, as this will showcase your suitability for a busy role.