Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA) is entering an inspiring new chapter in its development. As one of Scotland’s most ambitious and dynamic cultural organisations, we are strengthening our senior leadership structure to support our people, champion organisational excellence, and nurture the culture that drives everything we do.
To help lead this next stage, we are appointing a Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development, a newly created role that places people at the centre of our mission. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and senior team, you will lead APA’s people and organisational strategy, shaping how we develop leadership capability, support professional growth, and embed values that sustain our inclusive, high‑performing culture.
APA is a multi‑award‑winning, multi‑site arts charity at the heart of North‑east Scotland. We are a presenter, producer, festival maker, and community builder, an engine for cultural and social change. Our three venues, His Majesty’s Theatre, the Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree, form a portfolio unmatched by most regional arts organisations in the UK.
Together, they host world‑class touring performances and homegrown commissions that reach hundreds of thousands of people each year. From international seasons and major festivals like Granite Noir and Light the Blue to new initiatives championing inclusivity such as the Aberdeen Queer Arts Festival, our work places Aberdeen firmly on Scotland’s and the UK’s cultural map.
Our 2024–2028 business plan sets out a bold ambition: To become the cultural cornerstone of North‑east Scotland, fostering inclusive, transformational change through creativity, and serving as a vibrant hub of arts, community and civic life.
About the role
This is a senior leadership appointment of real significance within APA. The Director of People, Culture and Organisational Development will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen our workforce planning, leadership development, and organisational culture. Managing a small People team and working collaboratively across all departments, you will provide vision and insight, aligning people strategy with the creative and civic mission at our core.
We are looking for a senior leader who brings:
* Strategic credibility and experience advising executive teams.
* Deep commitment to developing people and organisations.
* The empathy, insight and imagination to shape an inclusive and inspiring working culture.
Our Board combines wide ranging expertise and purposeful ambition. This is a chance to join at a moment of renewal, to invest your leadership in an organisation that is investing in its people, its city, and its future.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Aberdeen Performing Arts on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference DBYZA. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on 14th May 2026.
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