At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage front-line teams at award-winning museums and archives.
- Company: Join Barnsley Council, a dynamic team with a bold vision for 2030.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for community impact.
- Other info: Be part of a nationally recognised cultural offer with growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cultural heritage and visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in museum/archive management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 41771 £ per year.
Barnsley Council have an exciting opportunity for a Museums and Archives Manager to join the team based in Barnsley. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £39,152 - £41,771 per annum.
It’s exciting times at Barnsley - we have a bold vision for Barnsley in 2030 as a place of possibilities. Barnsley Museums 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 Archives Manager you will play a key role in the operational management of Experience Barnsley, Cooper Gallery and the Archives Service. You will lead and support front-line teams, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure that our buildings, collections and services are safe, welcoming and accessible to all. You will also have responsibility for the statutory duties of the archives service, ensuring professional standards and accreditation requirements are met.
You will work closely with colleagues, partners and communities to promote engagement, develop audiences, and contribute to the wider aims of Barnsley 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
You will have experience working within a museum and/or archive environment and be confident managing people, services and buildings. You will understand the needs of a diverse range of visitors and users and be committed to creating welcoming, accessible spaces.
Requirements:- 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.
Closing date: 12th June 2026
If you feel you have the necessary skills and abilities to join our ambitious team as our Museums and Archives Manager, click apply - we’d be delighted to receive your application.
Museums and Archives Director. Job in Yorkshire LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Barnsley Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the cultural and heritage landscape of Barnsley. With a commitment to employee growth and development, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality, inclusive experiences for over 2.5 million visitors annually. The council fosters a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the museum and archives sector.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Museums and Archives Director. Job in Yorkshire LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museums and archives sector, especially those connected to Barnsley. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for museums and archives. Talk about your vision for enhancing visitor experiences and how you can contribute to Barnsley's cultural landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Barnsley’s museums and their recent achievements. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around accessibility and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to Barnsley’s exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Museums and Archives Director. Job in Yorkshire LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Museums and Archives Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in museum or archive environments, and show us how your skills align with our vision for Barnsley in 2030.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your strong people management abilities! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in public-facing environments. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our front-line teams.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Accessibility:Since creating welcoming and accessible spaces is key for us, include any experiences or initiatives you've been part of that promote inclusivity. Show us how you can enhance the visitor experience across our venues!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Barnsley Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Museums
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and offerings of Barnsley’s museums and archives. Familiarise yourself with their recent achievements, like the awards won by Experience Barnsley. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their vision.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and people management skills. Think about times when you successfully led a team or improved operations in a public-facing environment. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and support front-line staff at Barnsley.
✨Understand Accessibility
Since creating welcoming and accessible spaces is crucial, be prepared to discuss your understanding of accessibility standards and how you've implemented them in past roles. Share specific strategies you’ve used to engage diverse audiences and enhance visitor experiences.
✨Budget Management Insights
Brush up on your budget management experience. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively managed resources and contributed to income generation in previous positions. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the financial aspects of the role.