Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Learning

Job Description

London Borough of Harrow is seeking an inspirational Assistant Director of Culture, Leisure and Learning to lead one of the borough’s most visible and impactful service areas. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment & Economy, you will provide strategic leadership across culture, libraries, museums, active wellbeing, adult community learning and employment services, overseeing a gross budget of £15m.

As a key member of the Directorate’s Strategic Leadership Team, you will shape long‑term vision and strategy, driving high‑quality, inclusive and financially sustainable services that support Harrow’s communities to learn, connect, stay active and thrive. You will play a central role in influencing borough‑wide policy, organisational transformation and delivery of the Council’s corporate priorities.

You will lead evidence‑based service design, robust governance and performance frameworks, ensuring strong financial grip, innovation and continuous improvement. Working closely with Portfolio Holders, Ward Councillors and senior stakeholders, you will act as a senior ambassador for Harrow, building high‑impact partnerships at local, regional and national levels to maximise investment, social value and co‑production.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference — improving participation, tackling inequalities, supporting inclusive growth and embedding climate‑conscious practice across a diverse and ambitious borough.

You are a confident and credible senior leader with extensive experience of leading large, complex services in a political or similarly challenging environment. You bring a strong track record of shaping strategy, delivering transformation and improving outcomes for communities.

You will have:

• Significant experience of strategic leadership, service redesign and organisational change.
• Strong understanding of local government frameworks, statutory responsibilities and political decision‑making.
• Proven financial and commercial leadership, including budget management, income generation and investment planning.
• Experience of building and sustaining high‑value partnerships across sectors and influencing at senior levels.
• A deep commitment to equality, inclusion, resident engagement and community cohesion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire Members, staff, residents and partners.

You lead with integrity, sound judgement and empathy, and are comfortable navigating complex, high‑risk and sensitive issues. You value collaboration, empower high‑performing teams and model inclusive leadership behaviours aligned to Harrow’s values: Be Courageous, Do It Together, Make It Happen.

Most importantly, you are passionate about culture, learning, wellbeing and opportunity — and motivated by the chance to improve the quality of life for Harrow’s residents.

Interview Date: 01 May 2026

Location: Harrow Council Hub, Forward Dr, Harrow, HA3 8FL (In Person)

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn