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- Tasks: Lead teams in moving and caring for large, significant museum collections.
- Company: Join a world-renowned museum where history and culture thrive.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while enjoying a dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections care and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive culture.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 38400 £ per year.
Location: Bloomsbury
Role Summary
Full-time 41 hours per week
On-site everyday
Fixed-term contract to 31st December 2027
£33,469 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) 9th February
About the role
As Collections Manager, you will lead hands-on teams delivering high-risk, high-impact documentation, packing and decant projects across the Western Range Collection. It sits at the heart of one of the Museum’s most significant collection programmes, playing a pivotal part in how some of its largest and most complex objects are safely moved, documented and cared for. From coordinating major moves through shared logistics spaces at Bloomsbury to shaping how new storage facilities are designed and used, your work will directly influence the long-term care, access and future study of the collection.
Key areas of responsibility
- You will lead the planning and delivery of complex collection moves and storage projects, ensuring the safe, secure and well-documented rehousing of large objects.
- You will also:
- Lead and manage a team of Assistant Collections Managers to deliver projects to time, budget and quality
- Plan, coordinate and oversee large-object moves, making efficient use of shared logistics across the Museum
- Work closely with curators, conservators and project colleagues to support access, care and documentation of collections during moves
- Contribute expert advice to the design, fit-out and operational planning of new storage facilities – some off-site
- Ensure robust standards for security, Health & Safety, equipment use and contractor management throughout all project activity
About you
This is a practical leadership role for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working at scale, and taking responsibility for keeping nationally significant collections safe while enabling ambitious change. We are looking for:
- Proven experience in collections care, object handling or museum logistics, particularly involving large or complex objects
- Experience of supervising or managing large teams
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet project deadlines
- Practical understanding of materials, safe handling techniques, documentation standards and Health & Safety requirements
- A confident communicator who represents the Museum’s interests professionally
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Value Many Voices
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects) employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those involved in collections management. Attend events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about hidden job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum's collection and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just passionate about the role but also knowledgeable about the institution’s work and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed teams or projects. We want to see how you handle challenges and ensure the safety and care of large objects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in collections care and logistics. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Collection Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Collection Manager, you'll be leading teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets right to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the specific collections and large objects you'll be managing. Understand their significance, care requirements, and any past challenges faced during moves. This knowledge will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and how you’ve managed competing priorities in previous roles. This is crucial for a role that involves supervising Assistant Collections Managers.
✨Health & Safety First
Brush up on Health & Safety regulations relevant to collections management. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safe handling techniques and equipment use during large object moves. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining robust standards.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to represent the Museum’s interests professionally, so consider mock interviews or speaking with friends to refine your communication skills. Being a confident communicator can set you apart.
