Venue Manager

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.

Our dynamic venue features interactive galleries, dedicated learning spaces, cutting-edge audiovisual installations, an instrument studio, a dance area, and a live performance venue. Alongside this, our Learning and Public Programmes, as well as a vibrant schedule of temporary exhibitions, enhance the visitor experience through a diverse range of events-from educational workshops for schools to expert-led masterclasses and live performances. Visitors can also enjoy our retail offering, showcasing the very best in music heritage merchandise, and a café overlooking the iconic River Mersey.

We are now seeking an experienced and driven Venue Manager to join our senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the operational and commercial success of the British Music Experience. The successful candidate will lead on venue operations and play a key role in shaping and delivering strategic business initiatives. The role encompasses oversight of ticketing strategy, content programming, human resources, marketing and PR, group sales and travel trade, social media, and retail operations.

This is a unique opportunity to join an award-winning organisation at the heart of the UK's cultural landscape and to play a central role in driving its continued growth and success.

Application Procedure

For further details, please refer to the full job description. To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to:

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.

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.

Working closely with the Executive Director and other senior team members, the Venue Manager will ensure that the British Music Experience continues to deliver outstanding visitor experiences while achieving its commercial and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

Lead the day-to-day operations of the British Music Experience, ensuring the venue runs efficiently and to the highest standards. Manage all 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 the venue, ensuring that all front-of-house areas meet agreed service standards. Act as Duty Manager as required, taking responsibility for the smooth running of the visitor attraction. Assist the Visitor Experience Management team in delivering an education programme that upholds quality standards, meets educational needs, and aligns with charitable objectives.

Business Planning and Performance

Work with the Executive Director to develop and deliver the annual business plan and budget. Undertake market research and analysis to inform business decisions and identify growth opportunities. Monitor performance across all departments, analysing financial, operational, and customer data to ensure business objectives are met. Represent the British Music Experience at relevant meetings and industry events.

People Management

Provide effective line management for the Visitor Experience Manager and AV Technician. Support recruitment, induction, training, and performance reviews in collaboration with the Executive Director. Oversee and develop the BME Volunteer Programme, ensuring it supports both operational needs and volunteer engagement. Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.

Health, Safety and Compliance

Lead on the management of Health & Safety, including maintaining up-to-date risk assessments and compliance documentation. Oversee the building maintenance programme, ensuring all facilities, exhibitions, and systems are safe and well maintained. Monitor and review incidents and accidents, ensuring effective reporting and follow-up. Ensure all areas and services remain accessible to visitors with disabilities.

Customer Experience and Commercial Development

Oversee the customer feedback and complaints process, ensuring issues are handled promptly and effectively. Monitor all commercial activities - including retail, ticketing, and events - to ensure they meet financial targets and business objectives. Work with the management team on web updates, social media content, and promotional activity to drive engagement and visitor growth. Collaborate across teams to ensure consistent and accurate visitor information is available across all channels.

Collection and Content Oversight

Work with the Collection & Public Programme Manager to oversee the display, maintenance, and periodic refresh of exhibition content. Support the development of new initiatives that enhance the visitor offer and align with BME's mission.

Corporate Hospitality

Respond promptly and professionally to all enquiries, prepare tailored quotes, and coordinate venue show-rounds. Collaborate with third-party caterers to deliver exceptional service and ensure a seamless client experience. Develop detailed event plans and provide hands-on support to event teams throughout 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.