Horniman Museum and Gardens
Chief Executive
An inspiring, surprising Museum and Gardens in South London, the Horniman connects us all with global cultures and the natural world. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and an aquarium, which conducts world-leading research. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and small animal enclosure, and offer stunning views across London.
The Museum opened in 1901 as ‘a gift to the people’ from tea trader and philanthropist Frederick John Horniman, who had an objective of bringing the world to Forest Hill. Today, the Horniman has expanded that founding gift and now has a collection of 350,000 objects, specimens and artefacts from around the world and continues to provide amazing, inspiring and enlightening encounters for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The Horniman is now looking for exceptional candidates to lead the Museum and Gardens as its next Chief Executive.
We are looking for a visionary and inspiring leader, who will promote and develop a strategy that significantly raises the distinctive profile of the Museum and Gardens to ensure its continuing relevance and financial sustainability. You will be a compelling ambassador and spokesperson, representing the Horniman locally, nationally and internationally; building partnerships, creating opportunities and capitalising on beneficial relationships with cultural and educational organisations.
Candidates will bring a sustained track record of effective leadership at a senior level, with experience of leading change across organisations as well as extensive knowledge of fundraising and income generation. You will be a creative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset and bring a commitment to equality and diversity to London’s only museum where environment, ecology and human cultures can be seen side by side at a global scale.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Horniman Museum and Gardens on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EAFVC. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 14th December 2023.
The Museum opened in 1901 as ‘a gift to the people’ from tea trader and philanthropist Frederick John Horniman, who had an objective of bringing the world to Forest Hill.