At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic direction of music education in schools and communities.
- Company: Oldham Council, committed to vibrant and inclusive community development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to diversity and empowerment in the arts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives through transformative music education.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in music education and change management.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 61000 € per year.
£55,747 - £61,534 per year (Leadership Pay Scale)
The Strategic Lead for Music will lead the strategic and operational direction of Oldham Music Service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and progressive music education in schools, communities, music centre and beyond. You will be a key figure in the borough’s cultural and educational landscape, building on a legacy of musical excellence and achievement, whist also ensuring our music service meets the needs of our diverse and dynamic local population.
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Employer
Oldham Council
Location
The Lyceum, Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1QG
Contract Type
Full-Time Permanent
Closing Date
5th October 2025
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Service Management and Development
- Financial and Operational Oversight
- Schools, Partnerships and Curriculum
- Inclusion, Access, and Engagement
Key Requirements
- Significant leadership experience in music education
- Demonstrable experience in leading change management initiatives and a range of complex multi-faceted projects.
- In-depth understanding of national music education policy and educational landscape, including the National Plan for Music Education and Music Hub responsibilities.
- A passionate advocate for music as a transformative force in young people’s lives.
- Inclusive leader who champions diversity and empowerment across teams and communities.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
About Us
We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact:
A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
Our Values and Behaviours:
By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate. These are ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together,’ and they shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham.
We have translated these values into five behaviours which guide our actions and are the standards we hold ourselves to, day in and day out:
- Work with a resident focus
- Support local leaders
- Committed to the borough
- Delivery high performance
- Take ownership and drive change
Our Benefits Package:
At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years’ service
- The option to purchase additional annual leave
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more
- Salary sacrifices scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support
- Staff recognition and celebration events
Inclusive Recruitment
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment, or making changes to the workplace.
If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer or someone who has served in the Armed Forces and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Reference: 001011
How to Apply
Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
While we embrace the use of AI as an innovative tool to maximise our services at Oldham Council, we are looking for authenticity in applications we receive. We therefore ask you to think carefully if choosing to use AI when completing your application and ask that you ensure you read all instructions carefully and that your application is written by you and reflects your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
This Job listing is provided by an external organisation. Music Mark does not endorse the content and does not accept any liability for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the material provided. Music Mark is not responsible for ascertaining the suitability or legal status of a prospective employer.
Oldham Music Service and Music Centre are recognised as providers of high-quality education and musical opportunities for the people of Oldham.
Membership organisation, subject association and charity
Strategic Lead for Music Service in Oldham employer: Music Mark
Oldham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and a supportive environment that champions diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Oldham, the role of Strategic Lead for Music Service not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on the local cultural landscape but also comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead for Music Service in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the music education field, attend local events, and connect with others on social media. 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 Oldham Music Service and its impact on the community. Be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their mission and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a formal interview or a casual chat, being able to clearly articulate your vision for music education will set you apart. Make sure to highlight your passion for inclusivity and empowerment in your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make some musical magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead for Music Service in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music Education:When writing your application, let your love for music education shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight how music has impacted your life and the lives of others. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of music education policy.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application! Avoid using AI-generated content and instead focus on expressing your unique voice and perspective. This will help us get to know the real you.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Music Mark
✨Know Your Music Education Policies
Make sure you brush up on the National Plan for Music Education and other relevant policies. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your understanding of the educational landscape and how it impacts the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your leadership experience in music education. Highlight any change management initiatives you've led and how they positively impacted your previous organisations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead Oldham Music Service effectively.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
As an inclusive leader, be ready to discuss how you champion diversity and empower teams. Share examples of how you've engaged with diverse communities and ensured access to music education for all. This aligns perfectly with the values of Oldham Council.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Oldham's missions and values: Proud, Ambitious, and Together. During the interview, express how your vision for music education aligns with their goals of creating vibrant communities and delivering high performance.
