Head of Programming and Events

Head of Programming and Events

Salary:
£45,000 to £55,000 DOE plus performance-related bonus

Reporting to:
Managing Director

Location:
Newcastle
(opening 2026 with a 1,200-capacity live music venue),
with regular travel to Manchester & Brixton as required

Contract:
Full-time, permanent

Start date:
November 2025

Working pattern:
Monday to Friday, with evenings and weekends as required by the events schedule

About Freight Island

Freight 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 Role

This 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 Responsibilities

National Programming Strategy

• Design and deliver a cohesive year-round programming calendar across Manchester, Brixton, and Newcastle
• Balance headline live music acts, lifestyle programming such as quizzes, brunches, and cultural markets, and experiential events
• Adapt programming to each location's unique audience while maintaining Freight Island's brand identity

Major Venue Launch and Live Music Leadership

• Lead the programming and launch of Newcastle's new 1,200-capacity live music venue
• Secure high-profile acts, touring shows, and exclusive performances
• Position the venue as a competitive player on the UK touring and festival circuit

Industry Partnerships and Talent Booking

• Build and maintain high-level relationships with national promoters, booking agents, festival organisers, and cultural partners
• Negotiate multi-venue deals and residencies to leverage our national footprint
• Champion diverse programming that reflects and celebrates our communities

Brand IP Development

• Develop 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 Accountability

• Take 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 Leadership

• Manage 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 For

• Minimum 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 Us

• Be 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 Process

Stage one – Initial video call with our Head of People

Stage two – In-person interview with our Managing Director, Assoc. Director of Marketing and General Manager