Director of Music & Performing Arts

Spencer Group; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global examining body in the Music sector seeks a Director of Music and Performance Arts to define the strategic direction for the department. The role involves leadership of a team focused on developing assessments and driving digital transformation. Candidates should have a strong background in music, leadership experience in education or assessment sectors, and the ability to work internationally. Occasional travel will be required, and remote work is an option.

Qualifications

• Proven record in shaping product portfolios in education or assessment sectors.
• Strong credibility in music or performing arts.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for unified Music and Performance department.
• Lead long-term portfolio strategy informed by market trends.
• Drive digital transformation across assessment models.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Development

Market Insight

Commercial Awareness

Creative Thinking

Education

Degree in Music or Performing Arts

Job description

Our client is a global a global examining body in the Music and Performing Arts space, which operates in over 60 countries, supports more than 800,000 learners. Their qualifications are prestigious and specifically designed to help learners realise their potential, progress into the schools of their dreams, and pursue lifelong passions.

This organisation supports music from classical to contemporary and has been going through digital transformation as they enter a decisive period of renewal, guided by a clear strategic shift towards a more integrated, modern, and globally responsive organisation.

We are seeking a truly global Director of Music and Performance Arts who will develop assessments for rapidly developing markets, particularly across China, Southeast Asia, South Asia (India) and with a particular focus in Latin America. This pivotal role will lead an experienced team of 10 reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer, and will be critical in ensuring that this organisation stays at the pinnacle of music assessment. This critical portfolio leadership position will manage the portfolio in launching new products.

This role requires a commercially experienced, insight driven change agent who is keen to keep this world leading charitable institution at the leading edge of its marketplace, someone who can deliver true revenue growth to enable this business to maintain its journey.

For the right leader this is an opportunity to join at a pivotal point in its story, bringing fresh perspective and helping shape the next chapter of its impact across music and the performing arts.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for a unified Music and Performance department, integrating previously separate areas into a coherent and forward-focused function.
• Lead long-term portfolio strategy, informed by education policy, qualification frameworks, cultural sector developments, and global market trends.
• Use data and market insight to guide decision making, assess performance and identify opportunities for innovation, growth, or rationalisation.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle, including development, review, withdrawal and the introduction of new qualifications and pathways.
• Drive digital transformation across assessment and delivery models, working with Technology to enhance quality, access, and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgets and investment proposals, preparing clear recommendations and reports for the Chief Academic Officer and senior governance groups.
• And more…

Profile

The Director of Music and Performance will be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who thrives on positive disruption and purposeful change. They will bring the confidence to challenge long-held assumptions, the curiosity to rethink established practice and the imagination to shape a more modern and globally relevant portfolio. This individual will combine academic credibility with commercial focus, using sound judgement and creative thinking to open new possibilities across products, partnerships, and markets.

• An experienced senior leader with a proven record of shaping product portfolios or leading transformation across education, assessment, or creative sectors, bringing a dynamic, future-focused approach to positive change.
• Strong credibility in music or performing arts or related disciplines, supported by a degree or equivalent experience, with an understanding of how assessment, qualifications or education products operate.
• Confident working internationally, skilled at leading multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams across countries and cultures, and able to build networks and relationships in key markets such as China, India, or Southeast Asia.
• A natural disruptor who questions assumptions, re-frames problems, and brings fresh thinking to long-standing ways of working.
• Strong commercial awareness, with experience in strategic business development, partnerships or consultancy and the ability to position products competitively.

Whilst the role can work remotely, there will be an expectation of regular travel to different global markets and to attend meetings in London.