Head of Programming and EventsSalary: £45,000 to £55,000 DOE plus performance-related bonusReporting to: Managing DirectorLocation: Newcastle (opening 2026 with a 1,200-capacity live music venue), with regular travel to Manchester & Brixton as required Contract: Full-time, permanentStart date: November 2025Working pattern: Monday to Friday, with evenings and weekends as required by the events scheduleAbout Freight IslandFreight Island is one of the UK’s most exciting urban cultural destinations. We offer a unique blend of independent food, drink, and unforgettable entertainment, set against the backdrop of iconic industrial architecture. From Manchester’s Depot Mayfield to Brixton’s vibrant hub and our soon-to-launch Newcastle flagship with a 1,200-capacity live music venue, Freight Island delivers a distinctive mix of large-scale concerts, lifestyle programming, and cultural events.We are in a period of ambitious national expansion. We are seeking a visionary Head of Programming and Events to lead our creative output, shape our national events strategy, and elevate Freight Island as a cultural leader in the UK hospitality-entertainment sector.The RoleThis senior management position combines creative programming, strategic vision, commercial acumen, and industry influence. The successful candidate will oversee all programming across our venues, from intimate cultural happenings to major live gigs. Each site should reflect the local audience while contributing to a unified national brand identity.Key ResponsibilitiesNational Programming StrategyDesign and deliver a cohesive year-round programming calendar across Manchester, Brixton, and NewcastleBalance headline live music acts, lifestyle programming such as quizzes, brunches, and cultural markets, and experiential eventsAdapt programming to each location’s unique audience while maintaining Freight Island’s brand identityMajor Venue Launch and Live Music LeadershipLead the programming and launch of Newcastle’s new 1,200-capacity live music venueSecure high-profile acts, touring shows, and exclusive performancesPosition the venue as a competitive player on the UK touring and festival circuitIndustry Partnerships and Talent BookingBuild and maintain high-level relationships with national promoters, booking agents, festival organisers, and cultural partnersNegotiate multi-venue deals and residencies to leverage our national footprintChampion diverse programming that reflects and celebrates our communitiesBrand IP DevelopmentDevelop and manage brand-led intellectual property (IP) for events, creating signature formats, recurring concepts, and flagship experiences.Ensure these branded events are adaptable across multiple sites while reinforcing a consistent national identity.Collaborate closely with marketing and creative teams to integrate event IP into broader brand campaigns.Commercial and Operational AccountabilityTake ownership of programming budgets, ticket sales targets, and event profitability.Monitor and analyse event performance across sites, adjusting strategies to maximise revenue and audience engagement.Ensure all programming aligns with operational, production, and safety standards.Team LeadershipManage and mentor local programmers, events managers, and support staff across all sites.Foster a collaborative, creative, and commercially focused culture.Encourage knowledge sharing and innovation across locations.What We Are Looking ForMinimum of five years’ experience in a senior programming or head booker roles, ideally across multiple venues.A proven network of industry contacts in the UK live music, cultural, and events scene.Demonstrable track record of delivering commercially successful and creatively ambitious programming.Strong negotiation and contract management skills.A natural leader with the ability to inspire and align creative and operational teams.Confident in managing multiple workstreams, budgets, and deadlines across locations.A genuine passion for music, arts, culture, and the hospitality sector.Why Join UsBe part of a nationally recognised brand at a pivotal growth stage.Lead programming for three culturally distinct venues, including a major new live music space.Enjoy creative freedom to shape one of the UK’s most exciting cultural offers.Benefit from a competitive salary, performance bonus, and the opportunity to make a national impact in the industry.Application ProcessStage one – Initial video call with our Head of PeopleStage two – In-person interview with our Managing Director, Assoc. Director of Marketing and General Manager