At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with curators to provide expert advice on display cases and conservation solutions.
- Company: Access Displays, a leader in museum display and conservation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, home-based flexibility, and career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to learn the commercial side of the museum sector.
- Why this job: Stay connected to the museum world while influencing how collections are protected.
- Qualifications: Experience in museums or heritage organisations; sales experience not required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 € per year.
Home Based | UK Wide | £35,000–£40,000 Basic | OTE £55,000
Are you a curator or conservator who understands museum-grade display cases, material compliance and the pressures of limited budgets — but are curious about using that expertise in a different way? If the word "sales" makes you pause, this role may be different from what you expect.
We are looking for someone from within the museum and heritage sector to help institutions make informed decisions about museum-grade display cases and conservation solutions supplied by Access Displays. This is a consultative, relationship-led role — not hard selling.
Why This Could Be Right for YouYou already understand:
- The realities of restricted acquisition and capital budgets
- The challenge of specifying high-performance cabinets
- The cost implications of GIS-level cases
- The importance of conservation-safe materials
- The principles behind the British Museum Oddy Test
You’ve likely been the person asking suppliers difficult questions. Now you could be the person providing the answers.
What the Role Actually InvolvesHaving informed, professional conversations with curators and conservators, explaining differences in cabinet specifications and material standards, helping clients balance compliance, performance and affordability, building long-term relationships across the UK museum sector, generating new business through credibility and trust. Yes, there are revenue targets — but success comes from expertise, not pressure tactics. Many successful candidates in this type of role come directly from museum backgrounds and learn the commercial side with support.
Who We’re Looking For- Background in museums, galleries or heritage organisations
- Understanding of museum-grade casework and conservation materials
- Familiarity with material testing and specification requirements
- Comfortable speaking with peers and stakeholders
- Organised, self-motivated and curious
- Open to learning the commercial side of the role
- Previous sales experience is not essential. Sector knowledge and credibility are.
- £35,000–£40,000 basic salary
- Commission structure (OTE £55,000)
- Home-based flexibility
- A new career path that keeps you connected to collections care
- The chance to influence how museums protect important objects
If you’re looking for a change but don’t want to leave the museum world behind, this could be a natural next step.
Business Development Manager -Museum Display & Conservation in Southampton employer: Access Displays Ltd
Access Displays is an exceptional employer for those looking to transition from the museum and heritage sector into a consultative sales role. With a focus on relationship-building rather than hard selling, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values expertise and offers home-based flexibility, competitive salaries, and opportunities for professional growth while remaining connected to the important work of collections care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager -Museum Display & Conservation in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the museum and heritage sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sharing your interest in transitioning to a business development role. You never know who might have a lead or advice for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your consultative selling skills. This role is all about building relationships, so practice having informed conversations about museum-grade display cases and conservation solutions. The more knowledgeable you are, the more trust you'll build with potential clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with curators and conservators, highlight your background and understanding of their challenges. Use real-life examples to demonstrate how your knowledge can help them make informed decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the museum sector. Your application will stand out if you show us how your experience aligns with the role and our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager -Museum Display & Conservation in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Museums:Let us see your love for the museum and heritage sector shine through in your application. Share your experiences and how they relate to the role, especially your understanding of display cases and conservation materials.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for this role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, focusing on your consultative approach and relationship-building abilities.
Be Authentic and Honest:We appreciate authenticity! Don’t be afraid to share your journey and why you’re interested in transitioning into a business development role. Your unique perspective from the museum world is what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Access Displays Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of museum-grade display cases and conservation materials. Be ready to discuss the British Museum Oddy Test and how it relates to material compliance. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the sector, but that you can also speak confidently about the specifics.
✨Showcase Your Consultative Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships rather than hard selling, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with curators or conservators in the past. Think about times when you’ve helped others make informed decisions, as this will highlight your consultative approach.
✨Understand Their Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the common challenges faced by museums, such as budget constraints and the need for high-performance cabinets. Being able to empathise with these issues during the interview will demonstrate that you understand their world and can provide valuable solutions.
✨Be Open to Learning
Express your willingness to learn the commercial side of the role. Since previous sales experience isn’t essential, showing enthusiasm for developing new skills and adapting to a different aspect of the museum sector will make you a more attractive candidate.
