Executive Director of Economy, Innovation & Culture

Executive Director of Economy, Innovation & Culture

Location: Manchester, M1 6EU

Pay: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Disability Confident: No

Closing Date: 11/03/2026

About this role

Shape Big Ideas. Make a Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester is one of the UK's most dynamic and globally recognised city regions defined by innovation, creativity, partnership and delivery. As we enter a new decade of transformation, we're building a worldclass organisation for a worldclass place. This role is shaped for leaders who know how to work across ecosystems and deliver at scale.

Responsibilities

• Integrate the drivers of economic growth, innovation ecosystem development and cultural vibrancy, shaping the conditions for investment, creativity, productivity and inclusive prosperity.
• Build partnerships that link business, education, culture, research, communities and government, making Greater Manchester more competitive, more resilient, and more distinctive on the national and global stage.
• Lead the economic and innovation strategy that drives productivity and opportunity, GM's cultural ambition strengthening grassroots creativity and worldclass cultural assets, longterm sector plans, investment strategy and growth missions.
• Develop international strategy, global positioning and economic resilience, and forge partnerships across business, institutions and place leaders that unlock cityregion ambition. This is a role with reach, visibility and real influence, shaping outcomes for nearly three million residents.

Qualifications & Expectations

• Experience may come from economic development, innovation, higher or further education, skills and employment systems, culture and the creative sectors, consulting, regeneration and placemaking, research, industry or city leadership roles.
• Strategic judgement and the ability to convene partners across business, education, culture, research, investors, communities and civic institutions.
• Instinct for turning collaboration into growth, opportunity and longterm prosperity for the region.
• Commitment to impact with a focus on values-driven city region.

Employment Equity

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, Trans status and Non-binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people with a disability.

Working Arrangements

This role is part of GMCA's hybrid working scheme, combining attendance at our on-site locations with remote working, typically from home, depending on business needs.

Contact

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, please contact our advising consultant; Marek Dobrowolski at Berwick Partners on or marek.dobrowolskiberwickpartners.co.uk.