At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of culture and heritage policy across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join GMCA, a leader in public sector innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to a pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community pride and wellbeing through culture and heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy delivery and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The opportunity Culture and heritage shape how Greater Manchester feels, functions and grows. They support pride in place and belonging, bring people together, strengthen town centres, and play a real role in regeneration, wellbeing and the visitor economy.
We’re looking for a Principal Officer Culture & Heritage to lead the development and coordination of culture and heritage policy across Greater Manchester, and to turn strategic priorities into deliverable programmes. You’ll work across GM’s ten local authorities, with sector leaders and delivery organisations, and with Government departments and national bodies (including DCMS), to help deliver key elements of the Greater Manchester Strategy, Good Growth agenda and wider devolution priorities.
Your role As part of GMCA’s Culture Team, you will provide leadership and direction across a high-profile portfolio. This is a role for someone who can connect policy to delivery, bring partners with them, and keep programmes moving with clarity and pace.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of clear, practical culture and heritage policy for Greater Manchester, grounded in strong evidence and designed for delivery.
- Build the evidence base to shape policy and influence decisions, working closely with colleagues across place and investment to support growth in the culture and heritage sector.
- Work with local authorities, Government and senior partners to agree how plans and programmes will be funded, governed and delivered.
- Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders to enable shared learning, co-design and programme development.
- Act as a key external point of contact for culture and heritage on behalf of the Directorate, representing GMCA in relevant forums and discussions.
- Provide advice, support and coordination across the portfolio, including briefings and inputs for senior leaders as required.
- Bring leadership on the connection between culture, heritage and place, working with partners (including Marketing Manchester) to strengthen the visitor economy through culture and heritage.
- Line-manage and support the Senior Policy Officer Culture & Heritage, helping them deliver priorities and develop professionally.
- Oversee the Culture & Heritage budget, ensuring resources are planned, allocated and managed appropriately in line with GMCA requirements.
Qualifications
The complexity of this work will excite you. You’ll be comfortable working in a fast-moving, politically visible environment, and you’ll understand how to bring together local partners, national bodies and sector leaders to deliver shared goals. You’ll bring:
- Strong policy and programme delivery experience, ideally in culture, heritage, place-based investment or related fields.
- Confidence working in partnership environments, including with local authorities, Government and national delivery organisations.
- Excellent stakeholder and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build trust and move work forward across multiple organisations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including producing clear briefings, papers and presentations.
- Analytical capability, able to interpret evidence and translate it into practical policy and delivery choices.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, with good judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- A commitment to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring culture and heritage investment benefits all communities.
Benefits
GMCA is a public sector employer of choice in Greater Manchester, working at the forefront of public sector innovation and devolution. We offer flexible and hybrid working, a generous annual leave offer, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and a wide range of wellbeing, learning and development and staff network support.
Equal Opportunity
We welcome applications from everyone and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects our communities.
Principal, Culture & Heritage in Manchester employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As a Principal Officer in Culture & Heritage at GMCA, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the cultural landscape of Greater Manchester. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development, offering flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package. With opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and influence policy at a regional level, this role provides a meaningful platform for making a tangible impact on the community.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal, Culture & Heritage in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the culture and heritage sector. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience in policy development and programme delivery. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with local authorities and stakeholders to drive projects forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Familiarise yourself with Greater Manchester's culture and heritage landscape. Understand the current challenges and opportunities, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the Greater Manchester Strategy and Good Growth agenda.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your journey and ensure you don’t miss out on any updates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal, Culture & Heritage in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and its responsibilities. Dive into the job description and highlight key points that resonate with your experience. This will help you tailor your application to show how you're the perfect fit for the Principal Officer Culture & Heritage position.
Be Clear and Concise:When crafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your skills and experiences shine through without any fluff. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for culture and heritage come through in your writing. Share specific examples of your past work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to these areas. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in Greater Manchester!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter and ready to take the next step in your career.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Culture & Heritage Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and policies in culture and heritage, especially those relevant to Greater Manchester. Familiarise yourself with the Greater Manchester Strategy and how it connects to local communities. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Networking is key! Try to connect with people in the sector or those who work with GMCA before your interview. Having a few names or organisations in mind can help you demonstrate your ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing competing priorities or working with multiple stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to share them.
✨Show Your Commitment to Inclusion
This role emphasises the importance of inclusion and accessibility in culture and heritage. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure that all communities benefit from cultural investments. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have that align with this commitment.
