Assistant Director - Culture, Sport & Leisure
Culture & Leisure | £99K - £112K | Hybrid | 35 Days Leave | Neuro-Inclusive Employer - NOT VETTED
Employer
Bradford City Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC)
Location
Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary
£99,433 - £112,411 per annum
Job Type
Permanent, Full-Time (37 hours per week)
Closing Date
16 November, 2025
How to Apply
*Please note the interview date could change to accommodate interest in this post
AT A GLANCE
The Assistant Director for Culture, Sport & Leisure is a pivotal, strategic leadership position within Bradford CBMDC
Goal: Strategic leadership for cultural regeneration and community wellbeing across the district.
Key Skill: Proven track record in complex service transformation and multi-service budgetary mastery.
Environment: Senior Executive Team; requires high-level negotiation and influence.
Focus: Valuing neurodivergent strengths in strategy and innovation.
Recruitment: Guaranteed Tailored Adjustments at every stage.
Work Style: Hybrid working and Flexible Working Options available for schedule autonomy.
🤝 Employer Commitment & Neuro-Specific Support
Bradford CBMDC is deeply committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Salary: High-tier: £99,433 - £112,411 p.a.
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time.
Key Benefit: 35 Days Annual Leave and excellent Local Government Pension.
Base: Hybrid Working (Bradford Base: Britannia House).
The Assistant Director for Culture, Sport & Leisure is a pivotal, strategic leadership position within Bradford CBMDC. Following the district's successful tenure as UK City of Culture, the primary purpose of this role is to sustain, elevate, and strategically integrate all cultural, sporting, and leisure services.
You will be the key executive responsible for turning the district's vision into tangible, positive community impact. This role exists to:
Drive Regeneration: Ensure culture and sport act as a powerful engine for economic regeneration and inward investment.
Enhance Wellbeing: Directly improve the health, social inclusion, and quality of life for all Bradford residents through accessible services.
Strategic Oversight: Provide unified direction and transformative leadership across a complex and diverse portfolio, ensuring services are modern, effective, and community-focused.
Core Responsibilities (The 'What you will be doing')
This role requires strategic oversight and complex management across a diverse portfolio. Key responsibilities are segmented for clarity:
| Area | Specific, Actionable Task |
| Strategic Leadership | Lead the transformation and evolution of the Culture, Sport, and Leisure services in line with the district's future vision. |
| Service Management | Direct and manage a diverse portfolio including libraries, theatres, museums, galleries, sports facilities, bereavement services, and markets. |
| Financial/Project Delivery | Manage complex budgets and oversee the delivery of high-impact projects that meet strategic objectives. |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Build and maintain effective partnerships and influence key stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels to advance the service agenda. |
| Team Leadership | Work as part of the Environment Department’s leadership team, championing excellence, inclusion, and staff wellbeing. |
Essential Skills & Attributes (The Specific 'How')
We are looking for evidence of strength in these specific areas:
Demonstrable Track Record: Proven success in strategic leadership and significant service transformation within a complex public or large-scale organisation.
Budgetary Mastery: Strong experience managing and controlling complex multi-service budgets.
Commitment to the Sector: A genuine passion for culture, sport, and leisure, coupled with a demonstrable commitment to inclusion and community engagement.
Influence and Collaboration: Exceptional ability to build trust, negotiate, and influence diverse partners (both internal and external).
Neurodiversity & Inclusion Information
Bradford CBMDC is deeply committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, viewing it as essential to achieving its goals. We understand that neurodivergent individuals (including those with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, etc.) bring unique cognitive strengths that are critical for innovative leadership.
🤝 Employer Commitment & Neuro-Specific Support
| Area | Specific Detail for Neurodivergent Candidates |
| Recruitment Adjustments | We will provide tailored adjustments at every stage of the application process. If you require a different interview format (e.g., questions sent in advance, fewer panel members), a quiet space for your interview, or extended time for tasks, please clearly state this in your application or contact the recruitment team directly. We guarantee a confidential and positive response to all adjustment requests. |
| Work Environment | The role offers Hybrid Working (at home and in the office), allowing for greater control over your daily environment. Flexible Working Options are available, including flexible working hours (with flexi-leave), part-time hours, compressed hours, and 9-day fortnights, supporting those who benefit from non-standard schedules. |
| Communication Style | As a leader in an environment committed to clear communication and inclusion, the Council promotes a 'No wrong door to services' and 'No decision about me without me' approach. This translates to an internal culture striving for direct, clear, and co-designed processes. |
| Wellbeing & Support | Access to Occupational Health services to help manage risk, assist with reasonable adjustments, and provide return-to-work support. A confidential, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available for mental and physical health support. |
| Internal Networks | You are encouraged to join the Disability Staff Network and benefit from the RESPECT Allyship Programme, which promotes awareness and support across diverse communities, including neurodiversity. |
| Management Focus | The Council's broader 'Healthy Minds Strategy' explicitly prioritises support for people with neurodivergent needs. This commitment extends to managerial training and the provision of appropriate workplace adjustments. |
Rewards and Logistics
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Bradford CBMDC offers a comprehensive package designed to support your work/life balance and professional growth:
Generous Annual Leave: 35 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
Pension Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme, providing a guaranteed future income.
Health & Lifestyle: Cycle to Work Scheme, Metrofit Card/Club Active, Annual Travel Card, and discounted parking.
Development: Investment in training, mentoring, coaching, and Continuous Professional Development.
📍 Location and Flexibility
The primary office base is Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford. This role operates under a flexible and hybrid working model, giving you the autonomy to manage your time and location effectively, subject to the needs of this senior leadership role.
We encourage all candidates, particularly those who identify as neurodivergent, to apply. Your different way of thinking is not a barrier—it is an asset that we actively seek to integrate into our leadership team.