A new Operations Manager for the museum
To start off 2025, we’d like to say a jolly welcome to our new Operations Manager, Kieran!
‘Welcome’ may not be quite the right word, as Kieran has been part of the team at Chelmsford Museum for more than three years now. He was previously the museum’s Operations Duty Manager, working directly with the wider front-of-house team to create a welcoming, engaging and inclusive environment for visitors.
Prior to joining Chelmsford Museum in 2021, Kieran was a Duty Manager at Chelmsford Theatre and has also previously held roles at Hylands Estate and Riverside Leisure Centre.
You might also recognise him as one of the actors in Chelmsford City Council’s Women’s Safety Charter videos, which help raise awareness of how people can become ‘Active Bystanders’ to support women's safety in our city.
As Operations Manager, Kieran will now lead the front-of-house team that welcomes visitors to the museum; supporting staff with providing a first-class visitor experience and seeking opportunities to further their career development. He’ll also be responsible for overseeing operations, security and maintenance of all museum sites, including Sandford Mill Industrial Store, ensuring the museum is always compliant with health and safety and Arts Council UK Museum Accreditation requirements.
Going into 2025, Kieran will be focused on activities to fulfil the museum’s strategic and forward plans and on supporting the audience development strategy. This includes leading on implementing new income-generating activities and developing existing ones, such as third-party hire and shop sales.
Sarah Davies, Museums Manager, says Kieran’s previous years with Chelmsford Museum will serve him well in the role:
“I’m delighted for Kieran to receive this well-deserved promotion. Kieran has been a valued member of the front-of-house team for some years now and his experience here will be beneficial in his new role as Operations Manager. He has already built great relationships with our staff and volunteers and knows how the museum’s teams work best together. Kieran already has some great ideas on how we can improve processes from his observations of operations over the years. I’m certain his appointment will result in some positive changes for the museum.”
Sarah Davies, Museums Manager
Kieran praises the museum’s outstanding front-of-house team, who he looks forward to continuing to work alongside:
“When visiting a museum or gallery, the entire visitor experience from start to finish is so important – from your welcome on arrival, right through to exploring the shop as you leave. We’re lucky to have an outstanding front-of-house team at Chelmsford Museum, with some incredibly warm, friendly and knowledgeable people, and I’m so honoured to be given the opportunity to now lead this team. I’m looking forward to really getting stuck in alongside them on some exciting activities and projects for the museum in 2025.”
Kieran Bacon, Operations Manager
In his spare time, Kieran likes to play football and keep active. His biggest passion is acting, and he regularly performs in musicals and plays around Essex. Kieran’s next performance on stage will be in the spectacular musical A Chorus Line at Chelmsford Theatre from 26 February until 1 March 2025 – not one to be missed!