Venue Manager
The British Music Experience is the UK’s museum of popular music—an immersive destination where visitors can relive the defining moments that shaped Britain’s global musical legacy. Home to an unparalleled collection of iconic stage outfits, instruments, and memorabilia, the museum tells the story of British music from 1945 to the present day, celebrating its origins, evolution, and cultural impact.
Venue Overview
Our dynamic venue features interactive galleries, dedicated learning spaces, cutting‑edge audiovisual installations, an instrument studio, a dance area, and a live performance venue. In addition, the Learning and Public Programmes and a vibrant schedule of temporary exhibitions enhance the visitor experience through educational workshops, masterclasses and live performances. Visitors can also enjoy fine retail merchandise and a café overlooking the iconic River Mersey.
Position Summary
We are now seeking an experienced and driven Venue Manager to join our senior leadership team. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the operational and commercial success of the British Music Experience, leading venue operations and shaping strategic business initiatives. The role encompasses ticketing strategy, content programming, human resources, marketing and PR, group sales and travel trade, social media, and retail operations.
Application Procedure
For further details, please refer to the full job description. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to: jobs@britishmusicexperience.com
Deadline: 12 noon, Friday 24 April 2026
Interviews
Week commencing 4 May 2026 – first‑stage interviews will be conducted via Zoom. Candidates shortlisted for a second interview will be invited to attend in person at the museum during the week commencing 11 May 2026.
If you have not heard from us by 5:00pm on Friday 1 May, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The British Music Experience is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Venue Manager Job Description
Reporting To
Executive Director
Location
British Music Experience (BME)
Direct Reports
* Visitor Experience Manager
* AV Technician
Hours
Annualised, full‑time – fully flexible over 7 days
Job Purpose
The Venue Manager plays a key leadership role within the British Music Experience, responsible for overseeing the smooth and efficient running of the venue’s daily and strategic operations. This position covers all aspects of operations management, including business planning, health and safety, ticketing, marketing and PR, group sales and travel trade, retail, education and corporate hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
Lead day‑to‑day operations, ensuring the venue runs efficiently and to the highest standards. Manage internal operations and external service providers to deliver a seamless visitor experience. Oversee staff rotas, payroll, and petty cash, maintain high standards of presentation across front‑of‑house areas, act as Duty Manager as required, and support the Visitor Experience Management team in delivering an education programme that upholds quality standards.
Business Planning and Performance
Co‑create the annual business plan and budget with the Executive Director, undertake market research to inform decisions, monitor performance across departments, analyse financial and customer data, and represent BME at relevant meetings and industry events.
People Management
Line‑manage the Visitor Experience Manager and AV Technician, support recruitment, induction, training, and performance reviews, oversee and develop the BME Volunteer Programme, and promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
Health, Safety and Compliance
Lead health and safety management, maintain risk assessments and compliance documentation, oversee building maintenance, monitor incidents and accidents, and ensure all services remain accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Customer Experience and Commercial Development
Oversee customer feedback and complaints processing, monitor retail, ticketing and events to meet financial targets, coordinate web updates, social media and promotional activity, and collaborate across teams to ensure consistent visitor information.
Collection and Content Oversight
Work with the Collection & Public Programme Manager to oversee exhibition content display, maintenance and refresh, and support new initiatives that enhance the visitor offer.
Corporate Hospitality
Respond to enquiries, prepare tailored quotes, coordinate venue show‑rounds, collaborate with third‑party caterers, develop detailed event plans and provide support to event teams during execution.
Essential Criteria
* Proven experience in venue or operations management.
* Demonstrated leadership experience with responsibility for managing staff and teams.
* Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience managing budgets and achieving performance targets.
* Confident user of IT systems and digital tools.
Desirable Criteria
* Good knowledge of Liverpool’s tourism, leisure and events sectors.
* Passion for and knowledge of British popular music history.
* Experience in event management or within a museum, gallery or visitor attraction setting.
Core Competencies
Strategic, organised and capable of delivering to agreed plans and priorities. Self‑motivated and able to work independently when required. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across teams. Collaborative and supportive leadership style. Analytical and solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving. Commitment to outstanding visitor experience and service quality.
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