Director of Music in London

Music plays a unique and powerful role within the Royal British Legion’s Membership community, bringing people together through remembrance, ceremony and shared experience. As Director of Music, you will lead the musical direction of the Central Band of the Royal British Legion, delivering performances that sit at the heart of some of the organisation’s most important commemorative, ceremonial and membership events.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a highly respected musical programme that has genuine national visibility and impact. Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Working within the Membership, Armed Forces and Community Engagement Directorate, we are looking for an experienced and inspiring musical leader who can combine artistic excellence with strong relationship management and operational oversight. You will bring proven experience operating at Director of Music level within a major military, ceremonial or similarly high-profile musical environment, alongside an expert understanding of military and classical repertoire, liturgical music and wider contemporary performance styles.

Just as importantly, you will be someone who can build trusted relationships across the communities, supporting RBL licensed bands, advising on musical activities and working collaboratively with internal volunteer and staff teams, external stakeholders and military partners both in the UK and internationally.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and influence the future of music across the RBL communities while respecting the traditions and standards that make the Royal British Legion’s musical heritage so distinctive. Alongside leading the Central Band, you will play a key role in supporting membership and community engagement, ceremonial activity and events across the organisation.

We are seeking someone with positive presence, passion and credibility; a confident leader who can inspire musicians, uphold exceptional performance standards and deliver memorable experiences that reflect our charity’s ethos and values to widen awareness and community participation in RBL events.

You will be contracted to your home address, and you will perform most of your work remotely there, with occasional travel (including for monthly team meetings).

Employee benefits include:

• 28 days paid holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
• Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
• Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates: W/C 15th June 2026 these will be face to face at our Head Office, Haig House which is based in London Bridge. We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.