South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority | South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Careers
Visit websitePosted 32m ago•Sheffield Head Office | Sheffield | South Yorkshire
Head of Creative Industries Sector Development
HeadHybrid (Sheffield Head Office)€5,500 – €5,900 / mo
Required Skills
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Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of one of the region's most vibrant and fast-evolving sectors. Working with businesses, universities, investors, cultural organisations and government partners, you will play a leading role in developing opportunities that drive investment, unlock innovation and support sustainable growth across South Yorkshire's Creative Industries ecosystem.
Lead the development of the Creative Industries Sector in South Yorkshire by providing strategic leadership for policy and investment, collaborating with partners, driving investment, and enabling innovation to deliver growth, high-value job creation and opportunities for communities. The postholder is SYMCA's principal specialist for Creative Industries, line manages the Senior Project Manager for the sector, and reports to the Assistant Director – Sector Development.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
Interviews will be held: Monday 26th October 2026
Whether your experience comes from the creative sector itself, economic development, investment, innovation or a related field, you'll understand the factors that help creative businesses and places succeed. You'll be energized by the opportunity to help shape the future of a sector that contributes so much to South Yorkshire's economy, culture and identity.
- Hours: 37 hours per week (full time)
- Contract: Permanent
- Salary: Grade 12 – £55,949 to £59,907
- Location: Sheffield (Hybrid Working)
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of one of the region's most vibrant and fast-evolving sectors. Working with businesses, universities, investors, cultural organisations and government partners, you will play a leading role in developing opportunities that drive investment, unlock innovation and support sustainable growth across South Yorkshire's Creative Industries ecosystem.
Lead the development of the Creative Industries Sector in South Yorkshire by providing strategic leadership for policy and investment, collaborating with partners, driving investment, and enabling innovation to deliver growth, high-value job creation and opportunities for communities. The postholder is SYMCA's principal specialist for Creative Industries, line manages the Senior Project Manager for the sector, and reports to the Assistant Director – Sector Development.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
Interviews will be held: Monday 26th October 2026
Key Responsibilities
As SYMCA's lead specialist for Creative Industries, you will provide strategic leadership to support the growth and development of the sector across South Yorkshire. You'll bring together partners, identify emerging opportunities and help shape the policies, programmes and investments that will enable businesses to thrive. Acting as both a sector champion and trusted advisor, you'll work with a diverse range of stakeholders to build a stronger, more connected and more ambitious Creative Industries sector that delivers lasting economic impact.
In this role, you will:
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development and delivery of a long-term vision and growth strategy for South Yorkshire's Creative Industries sector.
- Build strong partnerships with creative businesses, universities, cultural organisations, investors and public sector stakeholders.
- Identify and secure opportunities for investment, funding and collaboration that support sector growth.
- Champion South Yorkshire's creative strengths and represent the region at high-profile events, forums and stakeholder groups.
- Support innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth by creating connections between industry, academia and investors.
- Lead and oversee projects and programmes that deliver tangible benefits for creative businesses and communities across the region.
Skills & Knowledge
You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for unlocking the potential of the Creative Industries. You'll enjoy bringing people together around a shared vision, identifying opportunities for growth and developing partnerships that deliver meaningful outcomes. Comfortable operating at a senior level, you'll be equally confident shaping strategy, influencing stakeholders and driving delivery.
Whether your experience comes from the creative sector itself, economic development, investment, innovation or a related field, you'll understand the factors that help creative businesses and places succeed. You'll be energized by the opportunity to help shape the future of a sector that contributes so much to South Yorkshire's economy, culture and identity.
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience of developing and delivering sector growth strategies, economic development initiatives or partnership programmes.
- Strong knowledge of the Creative Industries landscape and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
- A proven ability to build productive relationships across business, academia, government and investment communities.
- Experience of securing funding, attracting investment or developing compelling business and growth propositions.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and advise senior stakeholders.
- Strong leadership and programme management skills, with a track record of turning ambition into successful delivery.
If you're passionate about helping South Yorkshire's Creative Industries flourish and want to play a key role in shaping the region's future growth, we'd love to hear from you.
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