Programme Manager – Culture, Creative Industries and Sport
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
25/03/2026
Advert End Date:
Closed for applications on 10/04/2026 23:59
Salary:
N11 £55,608 - £59,068 per annum
Employment Location:
The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements
Further Information
As Programme Manager for Culture, Creative Industries and Sport, you will play a central role in delivering the North East’s ambitions across culture, creativity, the visitor economy and sport. Working at the heart of the North East Combined Authority’s strategic priorities, you will lead programmes that strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem, enhance social value, and maximise economic impact. This is an exciting opportunity to shape meaningful outcomes for communities, partners and businesses across the North East.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end development and delivery of multi-faceted programmes, ensuring they are strategically aligned, well-governed and effectively monitored. Drawing on strong stakeholder engagement skills, you will collaborate with local authorities, cultural venues, creative organisations, tourism partners, national bodies and funders to drive coordinated, high-quality delivery. Your role will also involve providing expert advice to leadership teams and advisory boards, supporting informed decision-making and programme oversight.
A key part of the role will include securing and maximising investment through the preparation of funding bids and the establishment of robust funding agreements. You will oversee programme performance, risk and financial management, ensuring value for money and continuous improvement. This is a role for a confident, proactive professional who can bring people together, navigate complexity, and deliver programmes that make a visible and lasting difference for the region.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Rachael Wadsworth, Head of Culture, Creative Industries and Sport rachael.wadsworth@northeast-ca.gov.uk.
The closing date for applications is Friday 10th April at 23:59.
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please see the authority’s website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk.
This recruitment is being administered by Durham County Council on behalf of the North East Combined Authority.
Please note
This job is closed for applications.