Strategic Lead for Music Service

Music Mark - The UK Association for Music Education; Oldham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an experienced leader in music education to manage services and develop partnerships. This role involves overseeing financial and operational aspects while promoting inclusion and engagement. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience and a deep understanding of music education policy. This full-time position is based in Oldham, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Attractive pension scheme

Discounted gym membership

Wellbeing support and employee assistance

Staff recognition events

Peer support groups

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in music education.
• Demonstrable experience in leading change management initiatives.
• In-depth understanding of national music education policy.
• A passionate advocate for music as a transformative force.
• Inclusive leader who champions diversity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in music education.
• Manage and develop services effectively.
• Oversee financial and operational processes.
• Engage with schools and partnerships to enhance curriculum.
• Foster inclusion, access, and engagement within communities.

Job description

Overview

Employer: Oldham Council

Location: The Lyceum, Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1QG

Contract Type: Full-Time Permanent

Closing Date: 5th October 2025

Reference: 001011

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Service Management and Development
• Financial and Operational Oversight
• Schools, Partnerships and Curriculum
• Inclusion, Access, and Engagement

Key Requirements

• Significant leadership experience in music education
• Demonstrable experience in leading change management initiatives and a range of complex multi-faceted projects
• In-depth understanding of national music education policy and educational landscape, including the National Plan for Music Education and Music Hub responsibilities
• A passionate advocate for music as a transformative force in young people’s lives
• Inclusive leader who champions diversity and empowerment across teams and communities

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.

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

About Us

We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.

Our Values And Behaviours

By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate. These are ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together,’ and they shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham. We Have Translated These Values Into Five Behaviours Which Guide Our Actions And Are The Standards We Hold Ourselves To, Day In And Day Out

• Work with a resident focus
• Support local leaders
• Committed to the borough
• Deliver high performance
• Take ownership and drive change

Our Benefits Package

At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:

• 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years’ service
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions
• Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active
• Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more
• Salary sacrifices scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work
• Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support
• Staff recognition and celebration events
• Peer support groups

Inclusive Recruitment

We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment, or making changes to the workplace.

If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer or someone who has served in the Armed Forces and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.

How to Apply

Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.

While we embrace the use of AI as an innovative tool to maximise our services at Oldham Council, we are looking for authenticity in applications we receive. We therefore ask you to think carefully if choosing to use AI when completing your application and ask that you ensure you read all instructions carefully and that your application is written by you and reflects your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

Hiring Manager Contact Details: Tony Shepherd, Assistant Director of Education & Early Years, [e-mail].

Closing Date

5th October 2025

Apply Now

This Job listing is provided by an external organisation. Music Mark does not endorse the content and does not accept any liability for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the material provided. Music Mark is not responsible for ascertaining the suitability or legal status of a prospective employer.

About The Provider

Oldham Music Service. Oldham Music Service and Music Centre are recognised as providers of high-quality education and musical opportunities for the people of Oldham.