At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage front-line teams at Barnsley's 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 passionate team in a nationally recognised cultural environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cultural heritage and visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in museums or archives, strong leadership, and operational management 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.
Its exciting times at Barnsley - we have a bold vision for Barnsley in 2030 as a place of possibilities. 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, 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 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
Youll 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 in Yorkshire 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 inclusivity and community engagement, employees benefit from a supportive team culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to manage award-winning venues that attract millions of visitors. Join us in shaping the future of Barnsley's museums and archives as we strive towards our bold vision for 2030.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Museums and Archives Manager in 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 you can 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 skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision for 2030. Knowledge is power!
✨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 Yorkshire
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, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in a museum or archive setting.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities:We love candidates who can think on their feet! Include specific instances where you've tackled challenges in operational management or visitor engagement to show us your problem-solving skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Council
✨Know Your Museums
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and offerings of Barnsley Museums. Familiarise yourself with each site, like Cannon Hall Museum and Experience Barnsley. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Museums and Archives Manager, you'll be leading front-line teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed people or projects. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with creating welcoming and accessible spaces for diverse visitors.
✨Understand the Statutory Standards
Brush up on the relevant standards and legislation that govern museum and archive operations. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain professional standards in your management approach. This shows you're serious about the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engagement is Key
Think about ways to promote engagement and develop audiences for the museums. Prepare some ideas on how you could build strong relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to enhancing the visitor experience.
