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- Tasks: Lead a team in managing museum collections, focusing on loans and displays.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution rich in history and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, generous pension, and cultural perks like free exhibition tickets.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in preserving and showcasing history while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in object handling and team management within a museum or similar environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Bloomsbury with occasional travel to other sites in Reading, Wiltshire and London.
Role Summary
- Full-time 41 hours per week (1 hour paid lunch)
- Permanent contract
- 5 days on-site with potential future hybrid working
- London-based with occasional travel to our Reading and Wiltshire sites
- £33,469
- Application deadline: 12pm 20th January 2026
About the role:
The British Museum is hiring a Collection Manager to work in their Collection Care department. This role will lead a team of Assistant Collection Managers within the Collection Directorate, ensuring the effective delivery of museum projects and the daily care of the collection. A key focus will be on preparing objects for display and loans, including mount making, handling, installation and packing.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Manage and develop a team of Assistant Collection Managers, providing guidance, support, and proactive performance management.
- Collaborate with Senior Collection Managers to plan and deliver museum activities, focusing on resource allocation and leading specific projects.
- Work closely with other Collection Managers to ensure cohesive planning and operations across loans and display teams.
- Contribute to developing and implementing best practice standards for object handling, care, documentation, and loans.
- Coordinate training initiatives, manage workshop spaces and equipment, and provide expert advice on technical standards for cross-museum projects.
About you:
We are looking for someone with a strong background in object handling and installation within a museum or similar environment. Skilled in managing and motivating teams, you combine excellent organisational abilities with a proactive approach to planning and delivering complex projects. Your attention to detail and commitment to best practice ensure the highest standards of care for collections.
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: Loans and Display in Reading employer: British Museum
Contact Detail:
British Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collection Manager: Loans and Display in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those who work at the British Museum or similar institutions. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your object handling skills and project management experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed complex projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for collections! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for the care and display of objects. Talk about your commitment to best practices and how you can contribute to the museum's values.
✨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 with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Collection Manager: Loans and Display in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Collection Manager role. Highlight your experience in object handling and team management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for museum work shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your commitment to best practices in collection care. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the British Museum!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Museum
✨Know Your Collection Care
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of object handling and installation techniques. Familiarise yourself with best practices in collection care, as this will show your commitment to maintaining high standards and your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Team Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you provided guidance or support, as this will demonstrate your leadership abilities and your fit for managing Assistant Collection Managers.
✨Project Planning Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with planning and delivering complex projects. Highlight any relevant museum activities you've been involved in, focusing on resource allocation and collaboration with other teams, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Embrace the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. Be prepared to share how these values resonate with you and how you would embody them in your work, as cultural fit is crucial for this position.