At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage front-line teams at our award-winning museums and heritage sites.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a top employer making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, excellent pension, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on cultural heritage and engage with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in operational management required.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 41771 £ per year.
Position reference: 50136004
Directorate: Growth and Sustainability | Service: Culture & Visitor Economy
Working Arrangements: 5 days in 7
Contract type: Permanent
We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you, please get in touch.
Basic Criminal Record Check required. Prospective employees must provide a reasonable account of any significant period (6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time living abroad. Please bring all necessary legal documents upon start of work, such as a valid visa. Our organization does not possess a Home Office licence and therefore cannot provide sponsorship for skilled or temporary migrant workers. Pensions Regulations may reduce pension payments for those who return to work within local government service. If you are receiving a pension upon commencing employment, this may affect your entitlements and you should seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.
We’re an award‑winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough supporting around 243,000 people. Working at Barnsley Council means being part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where you can develop the skills you need to make change happen. If you join the team you’ll receive great pay alongside an excellent pension scheme. With flexible working we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it. We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development.
Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.
About the Post: 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 Heritage Manager you will be responsible for the operational management of Cannon Hall Museum, Country Park and Gardens. You will lead and support front‑line teams, manage day‑to‑day operations, and ensure that our buildings, collections, outdoor spaces and services are safe, welcoming and accessible to all. You will work closely with colleagues, partners and communities to promote engagement, develop audiences, and contribute to the wider aims of the museums and heritage service.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- 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.
If you would like to find out more about this unique role, please contact Angela Routledge, Heritage Experience and Operations manager via e‑mail: angelaroutledge@barnsley.gov.uk. CVs are not accepted for this role.
At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We are committed to fairness and do not discriminate.
Museums and Heritage Manager in Barnsley employer: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley Council is an award-winning employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, offering competitive salaries and an excellent pension scheme. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to the vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Barnsley. Join a passionate team that values diversity and inclusivity, where your efforts will help shape the future of our museums and heritage services.
Contact Details:
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Museums and Heritage Manager in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museums and heritage 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
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnsley Council and its cultural initiatives. Show us that you’re passionate about the role and have ideas on how to enhance visitor experiences at our venues. Tailor your responses to reflect our values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and experience in operational management, as these are key for the Museums and Heritage Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our award-winning team and making a difference in Barnsley.
We think you need these skills to ace Museums and Heritage Manager in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Museums and Heritage Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision for Barnsley!
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 the past and created a positive work environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience:We’re looking for someone with operational management experience in a public-facing environment. Make sure to detail any relevant roles you've had and the impact you made in those positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Know Your Museums
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and current offerings of Barnsley’s museums. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements and future goals. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Museums and Heritage Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led teams or managed operations. Highlight how you fostered collaboration and engagement among staff and stakeholders.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the community through the museums. Think about ways to enhance visitor experiences and engage local audiences. Showing that you care about the community will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations.
