At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform cultural services, enhancing community wellbeing and economic growth.
- Company: Herefordshire Council, dedicated to culture and public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and community life while leading innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in cultural services and strong partnership-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 63303 - 70596 £ per year.
Employment Details
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Salary range: £63,303 - £70,596
- Contract: Permanent
- Location: Hereford
- Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026
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?
Role Overview
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- Salary range: £63,303 - £70,596
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual leave: 31 days pro rata plus bank holidays; option to purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Professional membership fee reimbursement (based on role requirements)
- Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts
Commits, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post:
- Those who indicate a disability (part of the "Disability Confident" scheme)
- Those who indicate they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist (support for the Armed Forces Covenant)
- Those who indicate they are a Herefordshire care leaver (support for young people leaving care)
The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If offered the position, a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
EEO Statement
Herefordshire Council is committed to strengthening a diverse and inclusive work environment which reflects the communities of Herefordshire. All applications are assessed on merit and the council complies with all relevant Equality, Diversity and Inclusion obligations.
Head of Cultural Services in Hereford employer: WMJobs
Herefordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where culture and community are at the forefront of its mission. With a strong commitment to employee growth through clear career progression pathways, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and professional development support, it fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents while enjoying the unique advantages of working in the vibrant city of Hereford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cultural Services in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the cultural sector, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for culture! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your vision for cultural services. Let them see how your ideas can transform their programmes and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would lead major projects or manage teams. Practise your responses so you can confidently showcase your strategic leadership skills when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and making a difference in cultural services.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cultural Services in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Culture:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for culture and heritage shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to make a difference in people's lives through cultural services.
Be Strategic and Visionary:As a strategic leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your vision for transforming cultural services. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully led similar initiatives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the responsibilities of the Head of Cultural Services role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to our needs!
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. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Cultural Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the cultural services landscape in Herefordshire. Familiarise yourself with local museums, libraries, and archives, and understand their current challenges and opportunities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic vision and how you can lead transformation effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a strategic leader, it's crucial to articulate your leadership style clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, focusing on collaboration and community engagement. Highlight your ability to build partnerships and drive improvement in cultural services.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Given the role's emphasis on managing significant funding programmes, be ready to discuss your experience with securing external investment. Bring specific examples of successful funding applications or projects you've managed, showcasing your financial acumen and strategic planning skills.
✨Emphasise Community Impact
The role is all about making a difference in people's lives through culture. Be prepared to discuss how you envision cultural programming supporting health, wellbeing, and economic growth. Share ideas on how to engage the community and ensure that cultural services are responsive to their needs.
