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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: Expertise in paper and pictorial art conservation with a strong professional reputation.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48568 - 48568 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
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 jobâshare counterpart, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Museum's conservation strategy, public programme, commercial activities and major longâterm 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 jobâshare colleague, ensuring highâquality 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 handsâon 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 longâterm care, understanding and visibility of worldâclass 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: Interestâfree travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras: Paid 1âhour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values
Care Deeply; Embrace the Unknown; Spark Curiosity; Value Many Voices.
Additional details
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 preâemployment screening of Civil Servants.
Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in London employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the conservation field, especially those who might know about opportunities at the British Museum. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info that could give you the edge.
â¨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best conservation work, especially anything related to East Asian art. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about leadership and conservation practices. We want you to feel confident and articulate when discussing your vision for the team.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our amazing team at the British Museum. Donât miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for East Asian art conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about the field and the impact you can make at the British Museum.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in conservation, especially with paper and silk. Weâre looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise, so donât hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why youâre the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to connect your past experiences with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, and show us how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itâs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you donât miss any important details. Plus, it shows youâre tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
â¨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 examples from your experience will show that you're not just a leader, but also a hands-on expert.
â¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing teams and projects. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led a team or improved processes. Highlight how you can inspire and develop your colleagues, as this role requires strong people leadership.
â¨Align with Their Values
The British Museum values care, curiosity, and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share examples of how you've embraced diversity in your work or how you've sparked curiosity in your team or audience.
â¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the museum's future. Inquire about their conservation strategy or how they envision the role evolving. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to the museum's mission.
