At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform cultural services to enhance community wellbeing and economic growth.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to culture and heritage in Herefordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of exciting projects like the redevelopment of local museums and libraries.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives through culture and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in cultural services and strategic planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 63303 - 70596 £ per year.
Hours: 37
Salary: £63,303 – £70,596
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hereford
Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026
Interview date: TBC July onwards
Introduction
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for culture, heritage and public service? Do you have the vision and drive to lead major cultural services and programmes that make a real difference to people’s lives? This is a pivotal moment for Herefordshire. We are reshaping how cultural services are delivered, alongside investing in major infrastructure such as the redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery and the new Hereford Library and Learning Centre. As Head of Cultural Services, you will lead a significant programme of service transformation across museums, libraries, archives, public art and cultural programming. You will modernise how services operate, improve sustainability and ensure culture plays a central role in wellbeing, economic growth and community life.
The Role
- Lead the transformation and modernisation of cultural services to ensure they are sustainable, efficient and responsive to community needs
- Provide strategic leadership for all cultural services including museums, libraries and archives
- Lead or support the delivery of major capital projects from development through to completion
- Shape and deliver cultural programming that supports health, wellbeing and economic growth
- Manage significant funding programmes and secure external investment
- Develop and implement cultural strategies, policies and service plans
- Build strong partnerships with local, regional and national organisations and funders
- Represent the council on the Herefordshire Cultural Partnership Board
- Champion culture across the council, ensuring it is embedded in wider services and priorities
- Lead and develop high performing teams, setting clear expectations and driving improvement
- Act as the council’s lead advisor on cultural, heritage and library services
We Offer
- A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
- Salary range of £63,303 - £70,596
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment. If you are offered this position, it will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Head of Cultural Services employer: Hoople
As an employer, Herefordshire Council offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Head of Cultural Services role, where you can lead transformative cultural initiatives that enrich community life. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working options, and a focus on wellbeing, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the region. The opportunity to shape cultural services alongside significant infrastructure projects makes this a unique and rewarding position in a vibrant location.
