At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage front-line teams at award-winning museums and archives.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a dynamic team with a bold vision for 2030.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for community impact.
- Other info: Be part of a nationally recognised cultural offer with growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cultural heritage and visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in museum/archive management and strong leadership skills.
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.
It’s exciting times at Barnsley - we have a bold vision for Barnsley in 2030 as a place of possibilities. Barnsley Museum’s 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, and it delivers an ambitious and exciting programme – a national quality offer in a local landscape. Its significant recent achievements include Experience Barnsley being shortlisted for the Art Fund’s 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.
Museums and Archives Manager employer: Barnsley Council
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the cultural and heritage landscape of Barnsley. With a commitment to professional development, a supportive team culture, and the opportunity to manage award-winning museums and archives, you will thrive in a role that values inclusivity and community engagement. Join us in shaping the future of Barnsley's cultural offerings while enjoying competitive benefits and a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Museums and Archives Manager
✨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. Let them see how much you care about enhancing visitor experiences and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnsley’s cultural landscape. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements and think about how your skills can contribute to their vision for 2030. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Museums and Archives Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Museums and Archives Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision for Barnsley in 2030!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing front-line teams, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in a museum or archive setting.
Highlight Your Operational Expertise:We’re looking for someone who can manage day-to-day operations effectively. Include details about your experience with venue management, compliance, and ensuring a high-quality visitor experience.
Engage with Our Community Focus:Demonstrate your commitment to community engagement and inclusivity. Share any past experiences where you’ve worked closely with diverse audiences or stakeholders to enhance their experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Museums
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and current projects of Barnsley’s museums and archives. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements, like the awards won by Experience Barnsley. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Highlight your ability to create a welcoming environment for diverse visitors, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Operational Side
Brush up on your knowledge of operational management within a museum context. Be ready to discuss how you would handle day-to-day operations, staffing, and compliance with statutory standards. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways to promote engagement and develop audiences for the museums. Prepare ideas on how you could build relationships with local communities and stakeholders. Showing that you’re proactive about community involvement will set you apart from other candidates.
