Head of Hampshire Music Service

If you’re ready to lead one of the UK’s most ambitious and inclusive music services, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role:

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for music education and a strong track record in service management? Hampshire Music Service (HMS) is one of the largest and most respected music services in the UK, reaching over 30,000 children and young people annually. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Service to lead HMS and the Hampshire Music Education Hub into its next chapter. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of music education across Hampshire, ensuring high-quality, inclusive, and financially sustainable provision that supports the personal, academic, and cultural development of children and young people.

What you’ll do:

• Leading the strategic direction of HMS and the Hampshire Music Education Hub, aligning with national and local priorities.
• Managing the service as a self-funding traded entity, with responsibility for financial planning, income generation, and operational delivery.
• Inspiring and developing a large team of music educators and managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Championing equity and inclusion, ensuring access to music for all children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Building strong partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Representing Hampshire at regional and national forums, advocating for the value of music education.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in leading large-scale education or cultural services, ideally within a traded or self-funded model.
• Strong financial acumen and operational management skills.
• A deep understanding of the music education landscape, including the National Plan for Music Education.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to inclusion, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Be part of a service with a national reputation for excellence and innovation. Work in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing. Access to professional development and leadership opportunities.

Please note this post is Politically Restricted. Vetting Requirements: This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.