At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Heavy Objects team to care for and display amazing collections at the British Museum.
- Company: The British Museum showcases over two million years of human history and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Be part of a world-renowned institution and gain hands-on experience in museum collections.
- Qualifications: Good education, interest in collections, manual dexterity, and teamwork skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; must have the right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 24116 - 31500 £ per year.
Role Summary
Assistant Collection Manager: Heavy Objects
Collection Care
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Permanent
£28,144 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Saturday 15 February 2025
About the role:
Assistant Collection Managers in the Heavy Objects team are responsible for all practical aspects of care and preservation of the British Museum collections (with a primary focus on the movement and display of heavy objects).
The post holder will work as part of a team, and their activities will include the storage, movement and preparation of objects for loans and display, and may take place across all Museum sites.
Assistant Collection Managers may also be responsible for the packing, handling and display of objects lent to venues in the UK and internationally.
This role is primarily technical. Problem solving is a key aspect of the role, and a flexible approach to working is essential.
Key areas of responsibility:
• To monitor security of objects and to maintain them in good condition in storage, in transit and whilst on display.
• To observe best practice in all aspects of object handling and collections storage.
• To facilitate the movement, packing and display of objects across the collections.
• To maintain and update essential object documentation, including location information.
• To construct mounts and to install objects in the Museum and at other venues
• To follow Integrated Pest Management procedures.
• To assist with training and skill-sharing as required.
• To assist with collections audits.
• To create condition reports for objects (including condition photography).
• To act as courier on UK and international loans
• To observe health and safety standards for activities and equipment.
• To maintain a responsible attitude to all aspects of work and to represent the interests of the Museum and the collections at all times.
• To assist with other Museum projects as required.
About you:
• Good general education including GCSEs or equivalent
• Demonstrable interest in aspects of the Museum’s collections
• Manual dexterity
• Practical experience of hand tools and workshop equipment
• IT skills
• Understanding and appreciation of materials and objects
• Ability to work well as part of team
• Self-motivated and able to use initiative
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here:
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 5 days a week.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Assistant Collection Manager: Heavy Objects - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Collection Manager: Heavy Objects - London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the British Museum's collection, especially heavy objects. Understanding the significance and care of these items will show your genuine interest and help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any practical experience you have with hand tools and workshop equipment. Being able to demonstrate your manual dexterity and technical skills will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving abilities. Since this role involves a lot of technical challenges, showcasing examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your teamwork skills. This position requires collaboration with various teams, so sharing experiences where you've effectively worked as part of a team will demonstrate your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Collection Manager: Heavy Objects - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Collection Manager position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize relevant experience in collections care, object handling, and teamwork. Use specific examples that demonstrate your manual dexterity and practical experience with hand tools.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for museum collections and your understanding of the role's technical aspects. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Highlight Your IT Skills: Since the role requires IT skills, be sure to mention any relevant software or systems you are familiar with. This could include inventory management systems or documentation software that relates to collections management.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Show Your Passion for Collections
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the British Museum's collections. Share specific examples of what fascinates you about heavy objects and how you see their importance in cultural history.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since problem-solving is a key aspect of this role, prepare to discuss past experiences where you successfully tackled challenges related to object handling or preservation. Highlight your flexible approach to overcoming obstacles.
✨Highlight Technical Proficiency
Be ready to talk about your practical experience with hand tools and workshop equipment. If you have any relevant certifications or training, mention them to showcase your technical skills.
✨Emphasize Teamwork and Initiative
This role requires working as part of a team, so share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in previous positions. Also, illustrate your self-motivation and ability to take initiative when necessary.