At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Manchester's cultural and creative industries, driving innovation and strategic partnerships.
- Company: Manchester City Council, a key player in the UK's cultural landscape.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, influence on culture, and the chance to shape community impact.
- Other info: A unique opportunity to balance global ambition with local community engagement.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in a vibrant city known for its rich cultural identity.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in cultural leadership and a strong track record in creative industries.
The predicted salary is between 111669 - 123071 € per year.
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, 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.
Key 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.
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.
Contact: Rebekah Herz‑Bauman, Gary Evans, Carmel Bell
Closing Date: Monday 24th May
Director of Culture & Creative Industries in Manchester employer: Local Government Chronicle
Manchester City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the cultural and creative industries in one of the UK's most vibrant cities. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. The role of Director of Culture & Creative Industries not only allows for significant influence on a national and international scale but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact on local communities through culture and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Culture & Creative Industries in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the cultural and creative industries. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for culture! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to cultural development and community engagement. Let them see your enthusiasm and vision for Manchester's creative future.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in the cultural sector. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation and secure investment for Manchester’s creative industries. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a thought leader!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining our team and making a real impact in the cultural landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Culture & Creative Industries in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culture:When writing your application, let your love for culture and the creative industries shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with Manchester's vibrant cultural scene.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience that matches the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your leadership in cultural projects and partnerships.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we want to understand your impact quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨Know Your Cultural Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into Manchester's cultural scene. Familiarise yourself with key institutions, events, and grassroots initiatives. This will not only show your passion for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of how culture drives the city's growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. Be ready to discuss how you can chair citywide governance effectively and strengthen partnerships.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Vision
Think about how you would align culture and creativity with council priorities like economic growth and regeneration. Be prepared to articulate your vision for Manchester’s cultural future and how you plan to secure investment and drive innovation.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
In this role, navigating complex issues and convening diverse partners is key. Prepare to discuss situations where you've shown political astuteness and emotional intelligence. This will help convey your ability to advocate for Manchester on various platforms.
