Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Lead for Southend City Council Music Service (Music on Sea)

Contract: Permanent / Hybrid – 3.5 days per week
Additional Duties: Option to undertake additional duties equating to 1FTE (this will be on an hourly music tutor salary)
Salary: NJC level 9

Term Time: Minimum 30 weeks per year
Start Date: At the earliest opportunity

Southend on Sea Music Service is seeking an inspiring and passionate leader to shape the future of music education in the city. The city has a thriving arts scene and a range of venues which provides great opportunities for inspiring the musicians of the future.

Your Role:

As the Music Service Lead Officer, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the education offer known as Music on Sea.
• Oversee the Southend Music on Sea staff, ensuring the offer is in alignment with the National Plan for Music Education.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders including schools and partners, working in collaboration across the wider Greater Essex Hub.

Our Values:

At Southend Council, we are committed to:

• Inclusivity: Ensuring all children and young people receive high-quality music education and opportunities for progression.
• Collaboration: Working together with stakeholders and music educators and maintaining our role as a key partner in the GEMH.
• Pride: Enhancing lives through music education, provision, and events across the city.
• Honesty: Delivering a fair and accountable service to families and schools.

• Educational Leadership: Proven experience in Music education demonstrating the ability to implement a vision for high-quality music education and to be the face of Music on Sea, Southend.
• Communication:  Strong relationship building skills and a communication style which inspires adults and children.
• Management: Management of up to 40 peripatetic music teachers and associated administration systems including an administration support officer.
• Agility: Willingness to travel across Southend and work in various settings. Attendance at Music On sea Events which may fall outside the typical working day

• Competitive Salary: £44,711 - £50,788 (dependent on qualifications and experience) (this will be pro-rata (part time and term time only)).
• Team Environment: A base at the Civic Centre with the Performance, Partnerships & Safeguarding team for at least 2 days per week.
• Induction and Support: A comprehensive induction plan with support from local officers and GEMH experts.
• Flexible Working: Term time only, with a minimum of 30 weeks per year.

If you’re ready to make a difference through music education, click 'apply' to submit your CV and a one-page supporting statement.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

Applications may close early, so apply soon!

We encourage you to find out more by reaching out to Julie Hollingsworth (senior adviser) on JulieHollingsworth@southend.gov.uk.  

Closing date: by 9am on 24th March 25

Shortlisting: 24th March 25

Interview dates: Thursday 27th March 25 / Friday 28^th March

We seek to be an inclusive service and recognise the value of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our new city. We welcome applications from those from underrepresented groups within our community and from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Music on Sea is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people and expect all tutors to share in this commitment. The successful applicant’s appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check and references.