Chief Executive Officer

job description

Salary: Up to £130,000 + benefits 

Location: UK-wide / Hybrid – workspaces available in London, Greater Manchester and Bristol

Closing Date: Monday 20th October

Creative UK is the independent network for the UK’s Creative Industries, championing the power of creativity to drive positive change. We are seeking a visionary and values-led Chief Executive Officer to lead our mission to support creative talent, influence policy, and unlock opportunities for growth and impact across the UK.

This is a defining opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who can connect the dots across our investment, advocacy and business support programmes, and drive our commercial and cultural ambitions forward. You will be a changemaker, a convener, and a communicator – someone who can inspire, influence and deliver impact across a dynamic and diverse sector.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction, growth and sustainability of Creative UK.

• Be a champion for the UK’s world-leading creative industries to government, media and the public.

• Drive our mission to build a fairer, more prosperous society through creativity.

• Work closely with the Board and Executive Team to deliver our ten-year strategy.

• Drive innovation, inclusivity and commercial success across our programmes and partnerships.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Proven strategic leadership experience in complex, mission-driven organisations.

• Deep understanding of the UK’s creative industries and policy landscape.

• A successful track record of entrepreneurial fundraising and income diversification.

• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing complex budgets.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Political awareness and confidence in high-profile, multi-stakeholder environments.

Creative UK is committed to building a more inclusive and representative workforce. We value difference and celebrate the creativity it brings. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

To find out more about this exciting role, please click on ‘Apply’.

If you would like a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Oliver Startup: oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner: rebekah.herz-bauman@gatenbysanderson.com