Job profile

Job Title: Music Service Manager

Directorate: Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning

Section: Cerdd NPT Music

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 27.5 – Term time 39 weeks per year

Location of post: Baglan Education & Training Centre

We are currently looking for a Music Service Manager to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for –

1. To take the lead role in shaping the strategic development of Cerdd NPT Music. To take responsibility for the strategic vision and effective organisation of Cerdd NPT Music, ensuring alignment with the goals and priorities of the Local Education Authority (LEA).
2. To provide strategic leadership for the musical education of young people in Neath Port Talbot, driving the vision and direction of the NPT Music Service. This role encompasses uniting specialist music staff and collaborating with partners and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive, and impactful music education across all schools in Neath Port Talbot.

 The main duties of the post;

1. Provide strategic oversight and leadership to a team of 30 specialist music educators, delivering instrumental, vocal, and curriculum-based music lessons to pupils across Neath Port Talbot schools.
2. Strategically manage the allocation of Service Level Agreement (SLA) funding for schools and coordinate additional music provision, ensuring the effective deployment of staff and resources to meet service commitments.
3. Oversee the music service budget through sound strategic decision-making, ensuring optimal use of resources and alignment with service priorities.
4. Ensure the financial sustainability and robust stewardship of Cerdd NPT Music by maintaining regular reporting and close collaboration with the designated council finance officer.
5. Maintain and manage an extensive inventory of over 5,000 musical instruments for use in Neath Port Talbot schools and music centres, ensuring readiness and accessibility.
6. Build teaching capacity within the music service to maximise educational outcomes and unlock the learning and musical potential of all pupils.
7. Foster strategic partnerships with Headteachers, Heads of Music Departments, and Music Coordinators to expand access to high-quality musical opportunities for young people.
8. Represent Neath Port Talbot in the advancement of music education across Wales, working alongside regional music service managers (6 counties) and also nationally, collaborating with the National Music Service of Wales to influence and shape national initiatives.
9. Oversee the management of progressive and inclusive music centres within the NPT, ensuring wide-reaching inclusive access and active participation for all pupils in music education.

• Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies designed to increase pupil participation across all areas of music service provision.
• Stay informed and keep up to date on current educational developments and policies, including those related to the National Music Service of Wales, ensuring the music service remains aligned with broader educational trends and requirements when relevant.
• Clearly articulate and effectively communicate the core values, vision, and objectives of Cerdd NPT Music and the Local Education Authority to stakeholders and the community.
• Ensure the effective leadership and line management of the Music Service Senior Leadership Team and the administrative officer, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across all areas of the music service, ensuring adherence to statutory responsibilities and best practices.

 You will have experience in/of:-

1. Extensive experience as a music educator across primary, secondary, and special education settings, with additional expertise as a performer and conductor.
2. Demonstrated success in leading and managing a music service or large-scale music project, ensuring effective delivery and strategic alignment.
3. Proven ability to contribute as a member of a management team, providing leadership and collaborative support to achieve organisational objectives.
4. Comprehensive experience in utilising diverse teaching, learning, and assessment strategies within the framework of a music curriculum to enhance educational outcomes.
5. Demonstrated extensive experience in evaluating class-based and individual music lessons, providing constructive feedback to tutors to ensure the delivery of high-quality music education.

Ideally you will have:-

1. Possesses a degree-level qualification or its equivalent.
2. Evidence of continuous professional development relevant and appropriate to the role.
3. A strong and demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional growth and development.
4. Holds a recognised music qualification relevant to leading a Music Service, such as the ABRSM Diploma or an equivalent credential.
5. Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
6. Committed to the continuous enhancement of ICT skills in alignment with professional requirements.
7. A thorough understanding of current trends and developments in education.

 If you think that you have the necessary experience and qualifications for this role, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Wayne Pedrick on

Phone: 01639 686827   or Email:   w.pedrick@npt.gov.uk 

DBS requirements: This post is subject to a an enhanced with Child barred list DBS disclosure.

Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.

The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.

Welsh Language Requirements: Welsh Language skills are not required

Additional Information:

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans.

In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council.  Applicants must meet the essential criteria for the post to qualify for this.  If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you.  Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.

At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.

We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.

We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.