Assistant Director, Culture Policy and Events
Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Salary £99,433 to £112,411
Bradford is a city of ambition with the wind in its sails following a hugely successful year as UK City of Culture. With over 5,000 events held across the city attracting over 3 million audience members, 2025 marked an extraordinary year of engagement and community development that demonstrated Bradford’s abilities as a cultural force. We are now seeking an energetic and inspirational leader to cement a cultural legacy, building on the achievements of the last 12 months and ensuring the benefits can be felt by all residents well into the future.
THE ROLE
A newly created role, the Assistant Director for Culture, Policy and Events sits within the council’s Growth directorate, working closely with Bradford Culture Company to shape and deliver the city’s long-term cultural ambitions. This is a highly outward-facing role, focused on positioning Bradford as a place that attracts high-quality cultural talent, major events and long-term investment.
A central priority will be the development of a clear and ambitious major events and cultural policy framework, creating the conditions for partners, producers and communities to thrive. Rather than delivering everything directly, you will help embed culture across the council and the city, ensuring it is a shared endeavour that supports wider economic growth, skills development and place-making.
Operating at a senior level, you will work closely with the Leader of the Council, the Mayor, MPs and other key stakeholders, providing confident and trusted leadership in complex and high-profile settings. You will bring the resilience, judgement and warmth required to build strong relationships while constructively challenging and influencing where needed.
You will champion a collaborative approach with Bradford’s cultural organisations, ensuring they are empowered as partners and recognising their vital role as the closest connection to audiences and communities. Particular emphasis will be placed on nurturing local talent, creating pathways for young people, and supporting the sector to grow sustainably.
Bringing together the Visitor Economy, Events and City of Film teams, you will help establish a stable and resilient platform for culture in Bradford, building on the momentum of the City of Culture year while shaping a legacy that is rooted in the city’s people, neighbourhoods and stories.
This is a pivotal leadership role at a defining moment for Bradford, offering the opportunity to help embed culture as a long-term driver of opportunity, participation and pride across the district.
INFORMATION
For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or tim.farr@starfishsearch.com.
Use the 'Click Here' button below to visit the Be More Bradford webpage and learn more.
ROLE PROFILE CLICK HERETimeline
Closing Date: Sunday 8th February 2026
Longlist Meeting: 12th February 2026
Preliminary Interviews: 20th February 2026
Shortlist Meeting: 23rd February 2026
Final Panel: 9th March 2026
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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