Creative UK is the independent network for the UK Creative Industries. We connect and champion creative businesses, freelancers, policymakers, investors and industry leaders to unlock growth and opportunity across the UK.

Through our programmes, partnerships, policy and investment activity, we support the creative industries to thrive. Our programmes provide skills development, business support and investment opportunities to creative businesses, practitioners and freelancers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

With new programme opportunities anticipated in the foreseeable future, we’re keen to connect with talented Programme Managers interested in joining Creative UK as opportunities become available.

Our Programme Managers lead the delivery of regional and UK-wide programmes across areas including business support, skills development, careers and investment readiness. You’ll turn programme and funding objectives into high-quality activity, build strong partnerships and ensure agreed outcomes and impact are achieved.

Please note: joining our talent pool is an expression of interest rather than an application for a specific vacancy. We will contact suitable candidates as relevant opportunities become available.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the online application form via the jobs page on our website. Please ensure you specify which opportunity you are interested in. Please also complete our anonymous Diversity and Inclusion Survey. Expressions of interest will be considered on a rolling basis until 29^th November 2026.

Applicants must be based in the UK and have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

ACCESS AND ADJUSTMENTS

Creative UK is an inclusive recruiter. Please let us know if you have any access requirements or would like any adjustments to the application or selection process.

ROLE PROFILE

Programme Manager

Indicative salary: up to £35,000 per annum, depending on experience and programme requirements.

Our Programme Managers take ownership of programme delivery, ensuring activity is effectively planned, managed and delivered against agreed objectives. Depending on the programme, responsibilities may include:

• Leading programme mobilisation, planning, delivery and evaluation.
• Translating funding and programme requirements into clear plans, budgets, milestones and targets.
• Managing relationships with funders, partners, suppliers and other key stakeholders.
• Overseeing participant recruitment, engagement and programme activity.
• Managing budgets, resources, risks and external delivery partners.
• Monitoring performance against agreed outputs, outcomes and KPIs.
• Producing reports and updates for funders, partners and internal stakeholders.
• Line managing programme colleagues and coordinating freelancers and suppliers where required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We'd particularly like to hear from people with:

• Proven experience managing programmes or complex projects through to delivery and evaluation.
• Strong project management skills, including experience managing budgets, deadlines, risks and competing priorities.
• Experience managing relationships with partners, funders, suppliers or other external stakeholders.
• Experience monitoring performance and reporting against agreed outputs or outcomes.
• Excellent communication, relationship-management and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative approach and an interest in the UK creative and cultural industries.
• Experience of publicly funded programmes, creative industries, business support, skills or economic development would be particularly valuable.

OUR CULTURE

All our employees will be expected to demonstrate behaviours associated with our company values. Our values drive the way we work; how we do things is just as important as what we do.

• We join the dots; collaboration is in our DNA.
• We support and empower; we are here to make a difference.
• We are curious, open & honest.
• We celebrate difference & value equality of opportunity.

THE PACKAGE

• A 35-hour working week (full-time equivalent).
• Flexible hybrid working, with the option of compressed working patterns.
• Access to our Creative UK workspaces in Central London, Bristol and Manchester.
• After three months, you’ll be enrolled into our pension with a 5% employer contribution.
• Cycle2Work scheme, in partnership with Halfords.
• Our benefits hub, with discounts across a wide range of partners.
• Employee Assistance Programme, currently BUPA.
• A paid Wellbeing Day each year, just for you.
• Summer Flex Time throughout July and August, reducing the full-time working week by two hours.
• Your birthday off.
• Additional paid leave over the festive period.
• A paid volunteering day each year, giving you time to support something that matters to you.
• After one year, you’ll have access to wider tailored benefits such as Medicash and Life Assurance.

This job description is not intended to be prescriptive or exhaustive. It outlines the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing, and the postholder may be asked to undertake other duties reasonably appropriate to the role.

We value difference and celebrate the creativity that it brings. We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation and industry by championing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, identities, talents, and physical and cognitive differences.