Programme Producer

Trafford Council; Trafford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Waterside in Trafford is seeking a Programme Producer to lead the development and delivery of an ambitious arts and culture programme across theatre, comedy, music, visual arts, festivals and community participation. You will work with artists, partners and communities to create inspiring cultural experiences and support talent within a collaborative team.

You will manage budgets, contracts and partnerships, using audience insight to inform planning and ensure sustainability.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of programming, producing or co-producing professional arts and cultural activity.
• Experience in managing budgets, contracts, and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of audience development, inclusion and access.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of a varied arts and culture programme.
• Collaborate with artists, partners and communities to create inspiring experiences.
• Balance creativity, audience needs and financial sustainability while managing multiple priorities.

Skills

Programming

Producing

Budget management

Partnerships

Audience development

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

Working Pattern: Full time

Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week

Interview Date/Type: 24th and 25th September / Face to face

About the Role

Waterside is a vibrant destination for performance, culture and events in the heart of Trafford.

As Programme Producer, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious programme spanning theatre, comedy, music, visual arts, festivals and community participation within a creative, collaborative team. Working with artists, partners and communities, you will create inspiring cultural experiences, support creative talent and help ensure Waterside continues to be a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming place where audiences, artists and communities can create, discover and grow together.

About You

To be successful at shortlisting, you will be able to demonstrate substantial experience of programming, producing or co‑producing professional arts and cultural activity, including managing budgets, contracts and partnerships. You will bring strong artistic judgement, knowledge of the UK cultural sector and an understanding of audience development, inclusion and access. We are looking for an organised and collaborative communicator who can build positive relationships, manage multiple priorities, use audience insight and data to inform planning, and balance creativity, audience needs and financial sustainability. Experience of supporting artists, securing funding and developing people will be an advantage.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

• Willing and able to work evenings and weekends as required, with time off in lieu.
• Willing and able to travel to sites within the Trafford Borough and region as required.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Darren Adams, Venue Manager at [e-mail] or on 0161 912 1142.

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world‑class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work‑life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

• Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Supporting Documents

Programme Producer Role Profile