Director of Culture & Creative Industries in Manchester

Overview

Director of Culture & Creative Industries

Location: Manchester

This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe131791/ until the closing date of Monday 24th May.

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, and 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.

Reporting to the Strategic Director (Neighbourhoods), you will act as Senior Responsible Officer for our Always Everywhere: Manchester’s Cultural Ambition 2024–2034, and lead delivery of the Manchester Creative Industries Strategy. You will ensure culture and creativity are embedded across council priorities including inclusive economic growth, regeneration, skills, health and zero-carbon ambitions.

You will:

• 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.

We are looking for a nationally credible cultural leader with significant senior level experience in the cultural or creative industries, public sector or similarly complex environments. You will bring a strong track record in creative industries development, investment and partnership working, alongside financial and commercial acumen.

You will be politically astute, emotionally intelligent and a confident communicator able to navigate complex issues, convene diverse partners and deliver at pace. A deep understanding of UK cultural policy, the role of local government and a genuine commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and neighbourhood access are essential.

This is a rare opportunity to shape Manchester’s cultural future, balancing global ambition with local community impact in a city that takes culture seriously and expects delivery.

For more details click (insert call to action) or contact;

• Gary Evans: gary.evans@gatenbysanderson.com