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Business Planning Consultant, Oxford City Council

  •  South East
  •  Â£10k-15k
  •  Full time
  •  Closes December 15, 2025
  •  Paula Redway
  •  predway@oxford.gov.uk
  • #Museums

Description

Job Summary

The Museum of Oxford (MOX) is seeking an experienced Business Planning Consultant to develop a clear, evidence-based and sustainable business plan that responds to the Council’s decision to introduce a modest entry fee and supports the museum’s long-term resilience.

Job Description

Following a major redevelopment and recent diversification of income, MOX is entering a new phase of growth supported by a Museum Renewal Fund grant. Funded by DCMS/ACE Museum Renewal fund, this consultancy will play a key role in shaping the museum's operational, financial and strategic future.

Job Requirements

Who we're looking for

Essential:

  • Proven experience producing business plans for museums, cultural organisations or visitor attractions

  • Strong financial modelling skills and ability to create multi-year forecasts

  • Understanding of audience behaviour, pricing strategy and income development

  • Knowledge of museum operations, community engagement and public-sector governance

  • Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder-engagement skills

  • Ability to deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines

Desirable:

  • Familiarity with Oxford's cultural sector and audiences

  • Experience with socially focused museums or Arts Council England frameworks

  • Experience working with councils or committee-based decision-making

Job Responsibilities

You will lead the creation of a robust 3-5 year business plan, working closely with MOX staff, Oxford City Council officers, the Museum Development Trust and key stakeholders. The work will include:

  • Reviewing the current operating model, visitor behaviour and financial performance

  • Assessing the impact and opportunities of introducing paid entry

  • Benchmarking against comparable museums

  • Consulting with staff, volunteers, visitors and community partners

  • Modelling financial scenarios, pricing options and risks

  • Identifying opportunities for income diversification, commercial development and philanthropy

  • Recommending operational, staffing, marketing and audience-development approaches

  • Presenting findings to senior leadership and trust board members

A first draft of the business plan is required by Monday 16 February 2026.

Please read the full brief available at: https://museumofoxford.org/support-us/work-for-us/

Useful Links

How to Apply

This role is offered as a freelance consultancy.
Contract value: up to £10,000 from appointment to end March 2026

This is a hybrid role. Most meetings will be online, with required in-person meetings in Oxford for stakeholder workshops, staff consultations and key presentations.

Tender costs should include travel and all other expenses and give an indication of the days/hours involved. This job is expected to have an hourly rate which is significantly above the minimum wage.

Please submit:
A cover letter outlining your suitability
CV(s) for all personnel involved (including two referees)
Examples of similar business planning work
Methodology and proposed approach
Delivery timeline with milestones
Full cost breakdown
Send applications to Paula Redway – [email protected]

Deadline: 9am, 15 December 2025
Interviews: 19 December 2025

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