Join Our Team - Director of Programme
Purpose of job
Lead the artistic future of one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural organisations.
Leeds Heritage Theatres is seeking an exceptional Director of Programme to join our Executive Team and shape an ambitious programme across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.
Working across theatre, dance, music, comedy, cinema, contemporary circus, spoken word and festivals, you will lead our artistic vision, creative partnerships and programming strategy. You will combine artistic ambition, audience insight and commercial acumen to create a distinctive and sustainable programme across our three venues.
This is a rare opportunity to influence the cultural life of Leeds, champion artists and audiences, and help define the next chapter of an organisation that currently welcomes almost half a million visitors each year.
About you
You are an experienced cultural leader with a strong track record of developing ambitious, audience-focused programmes and building trusted relationships across the arts sector. You combine artistic vision with commercial awareness and understand how excellent programming can deliver both cultural impact and financial sustainability.
- Significant senior-level programming or artistic leadership experience.
- A strong record of curating and delivering high-quality, diverse artistic work.
- Experience of leading teams and developing strategic partnerships.
- Commercial and financial confidence, including budget management and income delivery.
- A commitment to inclusion, audience development and widening participation.
For full details of the role please see the job pack.
About us
As a proud Leeds charity at the heart of the city’s cultural life, we inspire connection, nurture talent and make the arts accessible to all.
Across Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, We present the very best in live performance, music, comedy and film, welcoming over 460,000 audience members each year. We create places where stories are shared, ideas explored and creativity thrives – supporting artists, engaging communities and keeping Leeds’ cultural heartbeat strong.
When we come together, extraordinary things happen. Join us and play your part in shaping something special.
Salary and Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent
Responsible to: CEO
Salary: £70,000 per annum
Holiday entitlement: 33 days per annum plus bank holidays, increasing after five years
Location: Based across Leeds Heritage Theatres venues, with some hybrid working
Benefits
- Generous average salary pension scheme
- Regular staff offers and discounts for our venues and local businesses
- Free to use Employee Assistance Programme that supports your health and wellbeing
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Flexible working
Probation Period: Six months
Notice Period: Six months
Hours: 37 hours per week
To apply
LHT is working with executive search consultant Gregory Nash. Prospective applicants are asked, in the first instance, to send a CV or professional profile link to him at creative@gregory-nash.com.
If your profile matches the core criteria for the role, Gregory will be in touch to arrange an initial confidential conversation about the opportunity and to answer any questions you may have.
Requests for conversation should reach Gregory by Mon 9 November 2026.
The deadline for applications is Mon 16 November 2026.
First round interviews to be held Tue 24 and Wed 25 November 2026 (online). Final interviews to be held Mon 7 December 2026 (in person, in Leeds).