At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage museums and archives, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a dynamic team with a bold vision for the future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team with a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cultural heritage and community engagement in Barnsley.
- Qualifications: Experience in museum/archive management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 41771 € per year.
Barnsley Council have an exciting opportunity for a Museums and Archives Manager to join the team based in Barnsley. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £39,152 - £41,771 per annum.
Barnsley Museums represents a unique set of assets including Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens, the Cooper Gallery, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Experience Barnsley Museum and Archives and Worsbrough Mill and Country Park. Our award-winning museums have become ever more popular with over 2.5 million people visiting our sites during 2025/6. The Borough's cultural and heritage sector has grown extensively over the last ten years, delivering an ambitious and exciting programme.
Its significant recent achievements include Experience Barnsley being shortlisted for the Art Funds Museum of the Year prize in 2021, winning Kids in Museums Best Accessible Family Friendly Museum of the Year in 2022 and 2024, Best Small Museum in 2025 and the Sandford Award for Excellence in Heritage Learning at multiple sites. The museums service is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio organisation and Barnsley is an ACE Priority Place.
A new opportunity has arisen for a talented and experienced individual to manage the front-line teams and the operational running of our sites and services in Barnsley. As Museums and Archives Manager, you will play a key role in the operational management of Experience Barnsley, Cooper Gallery and the Archives Service. You will lead and support front-line teams, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure that our buildings, collections and services are safe, welcoming and accessible to all. You will also have responsibility for the statutory duties of the archives service, ensuring professional standards and accreditation requirements are met.
You will work closely with colleagues, partners and communities to promote engagement, develop audiences, and contribute to the wider aims of Barnsley Museums and Heritage service.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing effective leadership and management of front-line staff across our venues
- Managing the day-to-day operation of venues, including staffing, rotas, building checks and compliance
- Ensuring statutory, professional and accreditation standards are maintained
- Delivering a high-quality, inclusive visitor experience across all services
- Managing budgets and contributing to income generation and commercial opportunities
- Building strong relationships with internal teams, volunteers, partners and external stakeholders
You will have experience working within a museum and/or archive environment and be confident managing people, services and buildings. You will understand the needs of a diverse range of visitors and users and be committed to creating welcoming, accessible spaces.
You will also have:
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- Knowledge of relevant standards, legislation and best practice
- Experience of operational and venue management in a public-facing environment
- Good communication, problem-solving and organisational skills
- Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively
You’ll be joining a passionate and supportive team, working across a varied and nationally recognised cultural offer. This is an opportunity to make a real impact on how our venues and services are managed, experienced and valued by our communities.
Closing date: 12th June 2026. If you feel you have the necessary skills and abilities to join our ambitious team as our Museums and Archives Manager, click "apply"; we’d be delighted to receive your application.
Locations
Museums and Archives Manager in Barnsley, Yorkshire employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity and community engagement thrive. As the Museums and Archives Manager, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing Barnsley's cultural landscape, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive atmosphere. With a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, you'll play a vital role in shaping memorable experiences for over 2.5 million visitors annually, all while contributing to the ambitious vision for Barnsley in 2030.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Museums and Archives Manager in Barnsley, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museums and archives sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you want to make. Share your ideas on how to enhance visitor experiences at Barnsley Museums.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnsley Museums and their recent achievements. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision for 2030.
✨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 our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Museums and Archives Manager in Barnsley, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in museums and archives. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for cultural heritage shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community, so share your thoughts on why this role at Barnsley Council excites you.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to follow our process, which we really value.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Museums and Archives
Before the interview, dive deep into Barnsley Museums' history, achievements, and future plans. Familiarise yourself with their key sites like Cannon Hall Museum and Experience Barnsley. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and management experience in a museum or archive setting. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you successfully led your team through them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage front-line staff effectively.
✨Understand Visitor Engagement
Be ready to discuss strategies for enhancing visitor experiences. Consider how you would make the museums more accessible and welcoming for diverse audiences. Sharing innovative ideas will reflect your commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Brush up on your budget management skills and be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed resources in previous roles. Highlight any experience with income generation or commercial opportunities, as this is crucial for the role at Barnsley Council.
