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; and 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.
We’re looking for someone who can lead with energy, uphold our values, and build strong partnerships to unlock community benefits through heritage, craft and culture.
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