At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance workforce planning and organisational culture.
- Company: Aberdeen Performing Arts, a dynamic cultural organisation in Scotland.
- Benefits: Join a multi-award-winning team with a commitment to inclusivity and creativity.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant hub for arts and community life in North-east Scotland.
- Why this job: Shape an inspiring culture and make a real impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and a passion for developing people.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) is entering an inspiring new chapter in its development. As one of Scotland’s most ambitious and dynamic cultural organisations, we are strengthening our senior leadership structure to support our people, champion organisational excellence, and nurture the culture that drives everything we do.
To help lead this next stage, we are appointing a Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development, a newly created role that places people at the centre of our mission. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and senior team, you will lead APA’s people and organisational strategy, shaping how we develop leadership capability, support professional growth, and embed values that sustain our inclusive, high‑performing culture.
APA is a multi‑award‑winning, multi‑site arts charity at the heart of North‑east Scotland. We are a presenter, producer, festival maker, and community builder, an engine for cultural and social change. Our three venues, His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree, form a portfolio unmatched by most regional arts organisations in the UK. Together, they host world‑class touring performances and homegrown commissions that reach hundreds of thousands of people each year.
From international seasons and major festivals like Granite Noir and Light the Blue to new initiatives championing inclusivity such as the Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival, our work places Aberdeen firmly on Scotland’s and the UK’s cultural map. Our 2024–2028 business plan sets out a bold ambition: To become the cultural cornerstone of North‑east Scotland, fostering inclusive, transformational change through creativity, and serving as a vibrant hub of arts, community and civic life.
About the role: This is a senior leadership appointment of real significance within APA. The Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen our workforce planning, leadership development, and organisational culture. Managing a small People team and working collaboratively across all departments, you will provide vision and insight, aligning people strategy with the creative and civic mission at our core.
We are looking for a senior leader who brings:
- Strategic credibility and experience advising executive teams.
- Deep commitment to developing people and organisations.
- The empathy, insight and imagination to shape an inclusive and inspiring working culture.
Our Board combines wide ranging expertise and purposeful ambition. This is a chance to join at a moment of renewal, to invest your leadership in an organisation that is investing in its people, its city, and its future.
Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development employer: Aberdeen Performing Arts
Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the development of its people. As a multi-award-winning arts charity at the heart of North-east Scotland, APA offers unique opportunities for professional growth and leadership development, all while contributing to the cultural landscape of the region. Joining APA means being part of a passionate team committed to making a meaningful impact through creativity and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and culture sector, especially those connected to Aberdeen Performing Arts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for people and culture! When you get the chance to meet with the team or during interviews, share your vision for fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture. Let them see how your values align with theirs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would tackle leadership challenges and develop talent within an organisation. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Aberdeen Performing Arts and contributing to their exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand APA's mission and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you in your application. Share your passion for people and culture, and don’t be afraid to include personal anecdotes that highlight your journey and commitment to organisational development.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your strategic leadership experience clearly. Use specific examples of how you've successfully developed people and organisations in the past. This is your chance to demonstrate your credibility and insight!
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website as instructed. Double-check that you’ve included all required documents and that everything is polished and professional. A well-structured application shows your attention to detail and commitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aberdeen Performing Arts
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Aberdeen Performing Arts' mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their cultural impact and community engagement will help you align your vision with theirs, showing that you're genuinely invested in their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for a senior leadership role, be prepared to discuss your approach to developing people and fostering an inclusive culture. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and implemented strategies that resonate with APA's commitment to organisational excellence.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges in workforce planning or how they envision the future of their organisational culture, which will show your strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Given APA's focus on inclusivity and community, highlight your experiences and strategies that promote diversity within teams. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of fostering transformational change through creativity, making it clear that you share their values.
