Lead Development Curator

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirklees Museums and Galleries seeks an ambitious Lead Curator (Museum) to shape the curatorial vision for the landmark Our Cultural Heart Museum and Art Gallery project in Huddersfield. The postholder will unlock collections, craft compelling stories and lead exhibitions from concept to opening, delivering a memorable visitor experience.

You will lead a team of curators and work with designers, communities and partners to realise a vibrant, inclusive museum rooted in Kirklees and capable of

Qualifications

• Significant curatorial experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication abilities and capacity to build productive partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the curatorial vision for the new museum.
• Develop stories, objects and perspectives to define the museum and its exhibitions.
• Oversee content through design, installation and opening.
• Coordinate collections development, loans, and contemporary collecting.
• Plan installations and operational readiness of the new museum.

Job description

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.

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.

Closing date

04 October 2026, 11:55 PM