Head of Cultural Services

Employment Details

• Hours:
  
  37 hours per week
• Salary range: £63,303 - £70,596
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Location:
  
  Hereford
• Closing date:
  Thursday 11th June 2026

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?

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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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.