Location: Civic Centre (Exeter)
Shape the Future of Exeter’s Cultural and Leisure Service
Exeter City Council is seeking a dynamic leader to take on the role of Head of Culture and Leisure. This is a unique opportunity to lead and develop our in-house services which have been brought together to unlock the full potential of culture and leisure to inspire, connect, and uplift. It is a forward-looking role that will help build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving cultural landscape for Exeter, enrich lives and promote wellbeing in our communities.
You will be responsible for a diverse range of services including our world class St Sidwell`s Point Leisure Centre, a nationally important portfolio comprising the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Historical Guildhall, Underground Passages, Custom House, Corn Exchange and other leisure assets, run by the City Council in our communities.
Your leadership will help drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability across our services, ensuring they meet the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the strategic development and delivery of cultural and leisure services across Exeter.
2. Inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
3. Champion Exeter’s cultural and heritage assets, enhancing their reach and impact.
4. Foster strong partnerships with local organisations, community groups, and regional bodies.
5. Drive commercial opportunities and service improvements while maintaining financial sustainability and value for money.
6. Ensure services are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities.
About You
We’re looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader who brings:
7. Proven experience in leading cultural and leisure services.
8. Strong strategic and operational management skills.
9. A passion for community wellbeing, cultural development, and public service.
10. Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.
11. A commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
This is a fantastic chance to shape the future of Exeter’s cultural landscape, working with passionate teams and partners to deliver inclusive, innovative, and impactful services for our residents.
If you or someone you know is passionate for community wellbeing and cultural development, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Exeter?
Exeter is the capital city of Devon and gateway to the southwest. Our City functions as Devon’s primary cultural, sporting, and civic hub, serving communities from across the region. The city is home to nationally recognised institutions and events - including UNESCO City of Literature status and was a host city for this year’s Women's Rugby World Cup. Exeter is the gateway to the southwest. At Exeter City Council, we are proud to support a diverse and inclusive workforce and offer a range of benefits including flexible working, professional development, and a supportive working environment.
What next?
If we sound like the right fit for you and you feel like the right fit for us we would welcome your application. Please click on the Apply button at the bottom of this page.
Alternatively if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Ian Collinson, Strategic Director (Place), at
We reserve the right to close any vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.
Our commitment
At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.
To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason.
We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.