At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create engaging museum experiences and manage a diverse collection.
- Company: Bakewell Old House Museum, a historic gem in the Peak District.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved museum while connecting with local history and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in the museum sector and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Join us in an exciting new era of growth and innovation!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic Museum Manager Curator who, with the part-time Museum Assistant, will manage our team of dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, delivering a high-quality visitor experience whilst caring for the collection of 9,000 objects.
About Bakewell Old House Museum: Set in Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the heart of the Peak District, the Bakewell and District Historical Society’s Old House Museum building dates from the Tudor period. Rescued from demolition after 500 years of continuous use and converted, the museum now tells the story of the area to local audiences and tourists (c.9000 per annum) through permanent and temporary displays and events.
The role: Having become an incorporated charity, and consolidated that position, the museum is entering an exciting and important new era. The Assistant Manager post enables 7-days per week opening, April-October, and provides opportunities for the Manager Curator to develop contacts and plan programmes etc.
Our Manager Curator will be personable, have great attention to detail and excellent communication skills who will use their initiative to take responsibility day to day. They will be happy working alone or with volunteers and liaising closely with the Board of Trustees.
Throughout the winter months (Nov-March) the museum is closed to the public. During this period, the Manager Curator will be responsible for overseeing activities such as deep cleaning, collections management and supervising building repairs and maintenance.
A grant application is currently being considered by NLHF (c.£200k) to support a visioning process, to identify the way forward for the Society and the Museum for the next decade or more, as well as for essential building maintenance work. The Manager Curator will have overall responsibility for managing these projects if the application is successful and will, in any case, be encouraged to explore further avenues for development of the museum and the Society, including fostering contact with local communities through appropriate programmes of community engagement.
Experience within the museum sector is essential for this role, and we will provide additional opportunities for appropriate training and skills maintenance through professional bodies and from Trustees.
To submit an application, please send a full CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 which explains why, referencing the person specification, your skills, expertise and experience make you a suitable candidate. Please include details of two referees.
Please send your information to the BDHS Honorary Secretary at EleanorW@bakewellhistory.com with the subject line ‘Museum Manager Curator application’.
Closing date: 12 midnight Sunday 15 February 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 25 February 2026 (in person)
Museum Manager Curator – Bakewell Old House Museum employer: Aim Museums
Contact Detail:
Aim Museums Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Manager Curator – Bakewell Old House Museum
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the museum sector! Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current museum professionals. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for museums shine through! Share stories about your experiences and what excites you about the role at Bakewell Old House Museum. We want to see that spark!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Bakewell Old House Museum and its collection. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and think about how you can contribute. We love candidates who come prepared with ideas and questions that show they’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your CV and cover letter get seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to be part of our team, so make sure you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Manager Curator – Bakewell Old House Museum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Museum Manager Curator role. Highlight relevant experience in the museum sector and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than 2 sides of A4, so make every word count! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, referencing the person specification. Show us your passion for museums and community engagement!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Museum Manager Curator, excellent communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, whether it's through your writing style or by sharing examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with volunteers or the public.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to include all required details, like your referees, and don’t forget to use the subject line ‘Museum Manager Curator application’ when emailing your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aim Museums
✨Know Your Museum Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the history and mission of Bakewell Old House Museum. Familiarise yourself with its collection, current exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Museum Manager Curator, you'll be leading a team of volunteers. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to motivate others and create a positive visitor experience, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle specific situations, like managing collections or engaging with the community. Think of scenarios where you've had to problem-solve or innovate in a museum or similar setting, and be ready to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about future projects, community engagement strategies, or how they envision the museum evolving. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to contributing to their vision.