Southend-on-Sea is a place like no other. A vibrant, new city with a growing entrepreneurial identity and burgeoning cultural and arts scene, where creativity and aspiration blends with history and the traditional to deliver something quite unique. To lead this important arena, Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a Director of Culture, Leisure and Tourism to shape the future of our city in line with our new progressive social model, ‘Connected Southend.’

We have ambitious plans underpinning our corporate priority, to create a growing city with a strong and prosperous community. We have assets we can leverage more commercially, creating an annual programme of 20 weeks of events on the pier, and 6 major events across the city, beaches and parks. Events like our Lazydays festival in July is just the beginning of what we are seeking to develop in Southend.

We want to encourage new and established businesses to take up vacant commercial space creating employment and training opportunities for our residents and young people in developing sectors. The role also leads on libraries, leisure, museums, all collectively representing commercial development opportunities, including the management of high value long term contracts. This will entail significant levels of engagement with a wide range of external stakeholders, partners, suppliers, and the public.

Promoting opportunity to allow the city to thrive as a cultural, successful, and connected place to live and visit will benefit everyone. We want to generate better social outcomes through increased synergy of event work, heritage activities and cultural programming. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing teams who create a dynamic and cohesive culture, celebrate, and embed inclusion across our wonderfully diverse city, and run events that bring visitors. Our corporate leadership and councillors are working closely, to support our ability to realise this growth agenda with investment funding and resources.

With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, Southend presents an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to drive positive change that builds on the city’s strengths. We are seeking an ambitious leader to join us on this journey and help us make these ambitions a reality.

For further information, contact Simon Winspear or Laura Bennallack our recruitment partners at Hays Executive using 07525 466 357 / simon.winspear@hays.com or laura.bennallack@hays.com.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.

We would particularly like to encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from a multi-ethnic background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation. At Southend, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our city, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.

To apply please click the Apply Now apply now link below.

Closing date Monday 12th August 23.55