Music Resources Lead

Surrey County Council; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Guildford is seeking a Music Resources Lead to manage musical instruments and equipment. This role includes ensuring the proper maintenance of resources, overseeing an effective hire service, and leading a team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with musical instruments and technology, and the ability to implement efficient stock management processes. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including generous holiday and a local government pension.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, increasing with service

Generous local government salary related pension

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Hands-on working knowledge of various musical instruments.
• Ability to read music and perform basic maintenance.
• Experience using digital inventory systems for stock management.

Responsibilities

• Manage stock of musical instruments and equipment.
• Oversee servicing, repair, and upkeep of resources.
• Deliver an effective hire service to stakeholders.

Skills

Extensive practical knowledge of musical instruments

Ability to carry out maintenance or repairs

Experience in stock management

Excellent IT skills

Job description

This position has a starting salary of £36,873 per annum based on a 36-hour working week.

We are seeking a dynamic and proactive individual with strong administrative skills and extensive hands‑on experience with musical instruments, music technology, and audio equipment to lead our Music Resources department.

As Music Resources Lead, you will be directly responsible for the practical management of stock, including the servicing, repair, and day‑to‑day upkeep of instruments and equipment, as well as operating the instrument hire service for stakeholders.

Following recent changes to the instrument storage space, you will have the chance to shape the department, driving positive changes and improvements to enhance service delivery.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About Surrey Arts

Surrey Arts is dedicated to increasing interest and participation in the arts across Surrey, striving to "change lives through world-class arts". Working in partnership, Surrey Arts provide Surrey residents with access to high quality and engaging arts and cultural experiences.

As the lead organisation for Surrey Music Hub, Surrey Arts plays a pivotal role in coordinating and delivering high-quality music education across the county. We work in partnership with schools, community groups, and other arts organisations to provide a comprehensive range of music services, including instrumental lessons, ensembles, and performance opportunities. Our mission is to ensure that every child and young person in Surrey has access to inspiring and inclusive music education, fostering a lifelong love of music and supporting their personal and educational development.

About the role

We are looking for a highly organised Music Resources Lead with a passion for music to manage the service's music resources (instruments, equipment, technology and sheet music). The successful candidate will ensure systems and policies are in place to track, service, repair, dispose of and purchase musical instruments, technology and equipment. Working with the Senior Leadership Team, the Music Resources Lead will ensure stock meets the current and future needs of the service. The postholder will also be responsible for practical delivering an effective hire service of music resources to stakeholders, line management of the Music Resources Assistant and the supervision of volunteers.

The Music Resources Lead will be part of the Surrey Arts Business Operations Unit which is based at The Pines Trading Estate, Guildford and the role will be predominately based here. Travel throughout the county and occasional evening/weekend work may be required. Collaboration with Surrey Arts staff and other council departments will be required.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Extensive practical, hands‑on working knowledge of musical instruments (acoustic, amplified, electric, and digital), music technology, and associated equipment, including the ability to read music.
• Ability to carry out basic maintenance or low-level repairs of musical instruments.
• Experience in stock management.
• Excellent IT skills with the ability to confidently use, or quickly learn, new data management systems and digital tools relevant to the role.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and succinctly answer the following 4 questions:

• Describe your experience working with musical instruments and music technology, as well as your ability to read music. Include examples of the types of instruments and equipment you've worked with (acoustic, electric, digital, etc.).
• Please tell us about your experience with stock management and whether you have used digital inventory systems. How have you ensured accuracy and efficiency in these processes?
• Tell us about your experience in instrument maintenance, including performing repairs?
• Please tell us about your approach to line management and how you ensure you build a successful team?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact [e-mail] .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 15th February 2026 with interviews planned to take place on Tuesday 24th February.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.