Job Description
General Manager
Farfield Mill is a charitable Community Benefit Society, a much‑loved art, craft and heritage centre on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Housed in a historic Victorian woollen mill with galleries, artist /maker studios, heritage displays, heritage looms, a tearoom and shop, we are a place where craft skills are kept alive and shared with thousands of visitors each year.
We’re seeking a hands-on, commercially minded General Manager to lead our next chapter. You’ll steer a small but mighty team, volunteers and studio artists to deliver brilliant visitor experiences, a lively creative programme and strong commercial performance - all while caring for our beautiful building. You’ll be responsible for growing annual visitor numbers, strengthening earned-income (retail, gallery sales, tearoom, studio rentals, venue hire, donations), securing grants, and stewarding our historic building.
You’ll lead a small, dedicated team of staff; engage with our volunteers; liaise with retail artists, nurture our studio artists and creative programme; keep operations safe and smooth; and act as the public face of the Mill with partners, funders and the local community.
You’ll bring:
* proven people leadership;
* strong financial/operational management;
* audience growth and marketing know-how;
* confidence with fundraising and partnerships;
* a deep commitment to heritage, craft and community.
Experience in museums/heritage, visitor attractions or arts centres is desirable.
Success looks like: more people discovering the Mill, better dwell time and spend per visit, a confident events/workshops offer, and strong partnerships across Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond. You’ll enjoy genuine autonomy to shape the plan within the values of our Community Benefit Society, with a supportive Board.
If you’re an inspiring people‑leader with a track record in growing audiences and income in an arts/heritage or visitor attraction setting - and you love rolling up your sleeves when it’s busy - we’d love to hear from you.
Salary: £40,000 per annum (full‑time, on-site, 37.5 hours, flexible over 7 days including weekends/Bank Holidays)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 30 days’ holiday, professional development, pension scheme
How to apply: Review the recruitment pack completing the enclosed forms also sharing your CV.