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- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in conserving Eastern art on paper and silk.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution for culture and history.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, exceptional pension, and cultural perks like free exhibition tickets.
- Why this job: Shape conservation practices and make a real impact on world-class collections.
- Qualifications: Recognised authority in paper and pictorial art conservation with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48568 - 48568 ÂŁ per year.
The British Museum is hiring a Head of Pictorial Art Conservation to manage a team of Eastern Art on paper and silk conservators. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for a highly skilled team of conservators, setting professional standards and shaping the future direction of conservation practice in this field. Working closely with the Head of Conservation and your job‑share counterpart, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Museum's conservation strategy, public programme, commercial activities and major long‑term projects. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world's most respected specialist conservation teams, caring for the Museum's outstanding collections of Asian art.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the operational plan for Eastern art on paper and silk conservation in line with Museum strategies and objectives.
- Jointly manage the paper conservation team in partnership with the job‑share colleague, ensuring high‑quality outputs and effective prioritisation.
- Set and uphold the highest professional, ethical and technical standards of conservation practice, documentation and compliance.
- Recruit, lead and develop a specialist team of conservators, including succession planning, training and placements.
- Manage resources, budgets and external engagement, contributing to commercial income and representing the Museum nationally and internationally.
About you / Qualifications
This role combines hands‑on conservation expertise, people leadership, and organisational influence. We are looking for a recognised authority in the conservation of paper and pictorial art materials, with an established national or international reputation and a strong record of professional practice, research and publication. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape best practice, support colleagues to excel, and contribute to the long‑term care, understanding and visibility of world‑class collections.
Benefits
- 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
Care Deeply; Embrace the Unknown; Spark Curiosity; Value Many Voices.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details. We are sorry to say that we cannot offer Sponsorship for this role. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre‑employment screening of Civil Servants.
Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the conservation field, especially those who might know someone at the British Museum. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Museum's current projects and conservation strategies. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about shaping the future of East Asian art conservation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to share your vision for leading conservators and how you plan to uphold high standards. We want to see your passion for mentoring and developing talent.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in conservation, especially with paper and silk. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Pictorial Art Conservation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve set high standards in conservation practices.
Highlight Your Expertise: We’re looking for someone with a strong reputation in the field. Don’t shy away from mentioning any publications, research, or significant projects you’ve been involved in that showcase your authority in conservation.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of East Asian art conservation. Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques and ethical standards in the field. Being able to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced will show your expertise and passion.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Head of Conservation, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to training, development, and conflict resolution. This will highlight your capability to inspire and guide others.
✨Align with Their Values
The British Museum values curiosity, care, and diversity. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples that reflect these principles. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the museum's conservation strategy, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
