Lead Development Curator

Kirklees Council; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirklees Museums and Galleries are seeking a Lead Curator (Museum) to spearhead the Our Cultural Heart Museum and Art Gallery project in Huddersfield. You will shape the curatorial vision, unlock the collections, and lead content through design, installation and opening.

You will work with designers, communities and partners to create exhibitions, tell diverse stories, and deliver Museum Accreditation standards while building a skilled team.

Qualifications

• Significant curatorial experience and track record in museums.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire colleagues and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ability to build partnerships within a fast-paced development environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the curatorial vision for the museum and content through design, installation and opening.
• Identify stories, objects and perspectives representing people, places and history of Kirklees.
• Collaborate with designers, communities and partners to deliver exhibitions to Museum Accreditation standards.

Job description

We adopt a 'name blind' approach to shortlisting. Recruiting managers will not have access to personal information, including your name and contact details, until a shortlisting decision has been made - please note that this also includes any CV uploaded. Equality monitoring information is not accessible by recruiting managers at any stage.

Organisation

Kirklees

Directorate

Public Health and Corporate Resources

Service Area

Culture & Visitor Economy

Hours

37

Number of Jobs

1

Location(s)

Huddersfield and surrounding areas

Position type

Permanent

Grade

Grade 10

Salary

£39,481 - £42,123

Closing date

04 October 2026, 11:55 PM

Advert Wording

Kirklees Museums and Galleries are seeking an ambitious, creative and inspirational museum professional to join our team as Lead Curator (Museum) for the landmark Our Cultural Heart Museum and Art Gallery project. This is a rare opportunity to lead the creation of a new museum for Huddersfield and Kirklees. The postholder will shape its curatorial vision, unlock the potential of the collections, develop the stories and perspectives that define it, and lead museum content through design, installation and opening. Working at the heart of the Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme, they will create an ambitious, inclusive and memorable museum that is rooted in the borough and capable of attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. As Lead Curator, you will develop the curatorial vision for the museum, working closely with colleagues, designers, communities and partners to create inspiring exhibitions and meaningful visitor experiences. You will identify the stories, objects and perspectives that best represent the people, places and history of Kirklees, ensuring they are brought to life through engaging interpretation, innovative displays and ambitious programming. You will lead and support a team of curators, working alongside specialists, volunteers and community partners to deliver high-quality content and exhibitions to Museum Accreditation standards. You will also play a key role in collections development, contemporary collecting, loans, installation planning and the operational readiness of the new museum. We are looking for someone with significant curatorial experience, strong leadership skills and a genuine passion for museums and collections. You will be an excellent communicator, able to inspire colleagues and stakeholders, build productive partnerships and confidently make decisions within a fast-paced development environment. Most importantly, you will bring creativity, vision and the determination to deliver an outstanding museum that reflects the character, diversity and ambitions of Kirklees. In return, we offer the chance to work with outstanding collections, collaborate with talented colleagues and make a lasting contribution to a transformational cultural project that will benefit generations to come.

Carl Hutton is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability and we encourage applications from people with all differing abilities. So, if you need any support completing an application form, or any other format for the application or Job Description please contact the Recruitment Team for help by email:or phone: [phone] and ask for ‘Recruitment’.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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