Head of Service

Music Mark; Durley; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading music service in the UK is seeking a dynamic Head of Service to lead Hampshire Music Service into its next chapter. This role involves managing the strategic direction, financial planning, and promoting inclusive music education for children across Hampshire.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading large-scale education or cultural services, ideally within a traded or self-funded model.
• A deep understanding of the music education landscape, including the National Plan for Music Education.
• Commitment to inclusion, creativity and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Leading the strategic direction of HMS and the Hampshire Music Education Hub.
• Managing the service as a self-funding entity with financial planning responsibilities.
• Inspiring and developing a large team of music educators.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial Acumen

Stakeholder Engagement

Operational Management

Education

Experience in leading educational or cultural services

Job description

Hampshire Music Service (HMS) is one of the largest and most respected music services in the UK, reaching over 30,000 children and young people annually. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Service to lead HMS and the Hampshire Music Education Hub into its next chapter.

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Employer

Hampshire County Council

Location

Winchester (Hybrid Working)

Contract Type

Full-Time Permanent

Closing Date

7th July 2025 at 23:59

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for music education and a strong track record in service management?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of music education across Hampshire, ensuring high-quality, inclusive, and financially sustainable provision that supports the personal, academic, and cultural development of children and young people.

What you’ll do:

• Leading the strategic direction of HMS and the Hampshire Music Education Hub, aligning with national and local priorities.
• Managing the service as a self-funding traded entity, with responsibility for financial planning, income generation and operational delivery.
• Inspiring and developing a large team of music educators and managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Championing equity and inclusion, ensuring access to music for all children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Building strong partnerships with schools, cultural organisations, funders and community stakeholders.
• Representing Hampshire at regional and national forums, advocating for the value of music education.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in leading large-scale education or cultural services, ideally within a traded or self-funded model.
• Strong financial acumen and operational management skills.
• A deep understanding of the music education landscape, including the National Plan for Music Education.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commitment to inclusion, creativity and continuous improvement.
• Be part of a service with a national reputation for excellence and innovation.
• Work in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing.
• Access to professional development and leadership opportunities.

This post is Politically Restricted.

How to Apply

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion

This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services,references will be requested prior to interview.

Hampshire Music Service is committed to working in partnership with organisations locally, regionally, and nationally to deliver outstanding musical opportunities for all children and young people throughout Hampshire.

Membership organisation, subject association and charity.