Philips Museum Director

Lead the Philips Museum: Inspire Innovation and Heritage

At Philips, our legacy of innovation is rooted in compassionate listening and deep engagement to anticipate and solve real human needs. For more than 130 years, we've been at the forefront, delivering breakthrough solutions that not only meet the demands of today but lay the groundwork for tomorrow. From lighting homes to connecting communities, advancing care to revolutionizing surgeries, our heritage fuels a commitment to improve lives through meaningful innovation—for people and the planet. We're not just adapting to change; we're leading the way towards better care for more people.

The Philips Museum, located in the heart of Eindhoven, the Netherlands, stands as a symbol for our rich history of human-centered innovations shaping what’s next. Housed in the historic building where Gerard Philips began producing the first light bulbs in 1891, the Philips Museum wants to inspire and build trust by engaging our key stakeholders, the public at large with the impact of Philips on people’s lives. Through dynamic exhibitions and interactive displays, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past, present, and future of innovation. The museum is run by a small team of professionals and by over 100 volunteers.

Your role:

As Director of the Philips Museum experience, you will hold a pivotal role in shaping the strategic vision and ensuring continued success. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement a forward-thinking vision for the museum, as a compelling Philips brand experience, building on our mission improving peoples’ lives with meaningful innovation, with a focus on innovation, design and sustainability.
• Exhibition Development: Oversee the curation of compelling exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, that engage a diverse group of audiences, including the general public at large, healthcare professionals, students etc and narrate the story of Philips’ legacy and its vision on the future as a societal relevant player.
• Visitor Experience: Elevate the visitor experience by integrating state-of-the-art technology and interactive storytelling to captivate audiences of all ages.
• Team Management: Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team to achieve excellence in all aspects of the museum’s operations
• Volunteer Engagement: Prioritize the satisfaction and engagement of the museum's volunteers by developing initiatives that recognize their contributions, address their needs, and foster a supportive and inspiring environment.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Establish strong relationships with cultural institutions, and the local Brainport community to enhance the museum's profile and outreach. Manage a group of internal stakeholders important to keep the museum experience up to date and reflecting the current strategy and direction.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the museum’s budget, secure funding through grants and sponsorships, and ensure the financial sustainability of the institution.
• Education and Outreach: Foster educational programs and initiatives that promote the museum as a learning hub for schools, universities, and the broader public.

We are looking for:

• Education: A master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Business Administration, or a related field. A focus on innovation or technology history is a plus.
• Professional Experience: At least 7-10 years of experience in museum leadership, cultural management, brand experiential or a similar role, preferably with a focus on technology, science, or innovation.
• Skills: Strong leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with proficiency in English. Knowledge of Dutch is a must.
• Passion for Innovation: A deep appreciation for the history of innovation and an ability to connect technological progress with cultural storytelling.
• Network: An established network within the museum sector and cultural institutions, or the local Brainport community is highly valued.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and cultural heritage, we invite you to apply for the position of Director at the Philips Museum. Please send your resume, a cover letter outlining your vision for the museum. Join us in celebrating the remarkable legacy of Philips and inspiring future generations to innovate and create.

About Philips
We are a health technology company. We built our entire company around the belief that every human matters, and we won't stop until everybody everywhere has access to the quality healthcare that we all deserve. Do the work of your life to help the lives of others.