Director People and Culture – Beamish

Beamish is a unique living, working museum that uses its collections to connect with people from all walks of life, telling the story of everyday life in the northeast of England through time.

We are innovative, self-reliant, entrepreneurial and forward-looking, and welcome over 800,000 visitors a year. The museum delivers significant economic and social benefits for communities in the northeast. Some 50% of our visitors are tourists, boosting the region’s visitor economy, and we are one of the biggest non-public sector employers in northwest Durham, employing 400 staff and supported by over 500 volunteers. Our community and learning work is nationally recognised, and we engage with many thousands of people both on and off the museum site through our community participation programmes.

We are a leader in how we use our Accredited and Designated collection to develop bold new ways of experiencing the heritage of the region, and others look to us as an exemplar in our field. Recently we were confirmed by VisitEngland as number 11 in the most-visited paid-for attractions in the UK and we have an international reputation and reach, which we are keen to further build on.

There are many things that make us unique but what really sets us apart is offering a truly immersive experience, connecting people and communities together to share stories, experiences and learning and enabling visitors and local communities – many of whom have donated to our collection, to be integral to our ongoing evolution and development.

Who we are looking for

For Director People and Culture we’re seeking a forward-thinking, open-minded and collaborative leader who will work collegiately with colleagues, have an entrepreneurial spirit and put our visitors first in everything they do.

We also want you to demonstrate a passion for Beamish and the unique, wide-ranging contribution it makes to the northeast of England, its people and communities, who see Beamish as ‘their museum’.