Collections Team Leader (Large Objects)

Join us at a pivotal moment in the Museum’s transformation, playing a hands-on role in shaping the future of one of the world’s most important natural history collections. We are seeking a Collections Team Manager (Large Objects) to lead the hands-on design and delivery of innovative transport and storage solutions for some of our most significant and complex specimens, as they relocate to our new TVSP site. This is a unique opportunity to work at scale—combining practical problem-solving, leadership, and technical expertise to safeguard extraordinary objects for generations to come.

In this role, you will take the lead in developing both standardised and bespoke housing solutions, ensuring the safe movement and long-term preservation of large and challenging specimens. From towering taxidermy to articulated skeletons and monumental fossils, you will directly influence how these remarkable collections are protected, moved, and accessed. You will be actively involved in planning and executing collection moves, working hands-on with objects throughout every stage of the project. Collaborating closely with curators, conservators, and specialists across the Museum, you will help shape innovative approaches to handling and transporting unique natural history specimens.

As a leader, you will also manage and guide a team of Collection Technicians (Large Objects)—fostering a culture of precision, safety, and collaboration while ensuring the successful delivery of this ambitious programme.

We’re looking for a highly capable and hands-on leader who combines technical expertise with practical problem-solving and a passion for working with complex, unique collections. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience managing teams to design and deliver innovative solutions for the movement and storage of oversized or complex objects. You’ll be confident developing and interpreting technical drawings, and able to translate ideas into practical, workable outcomes. Your technical skillset will extend to workshop environments, where you are comfortable setting up and operating equipment and working across a wide range of materials.

You will ideally have a background working with museum, natural history, or similarly sensitive objects, with an understanding of appropriate materials and methods to ensure their safety and preservation. You will thrive in a role that requires both physical capability and attention to detail, bringing the manual dexterity, awareness of relevant health and safety practices, and confidence needed to handle objects of all shapes, sizes, and fragility. Above all, you’ll be someone who takes pride in delivering high-quality, practical solutions, leading by example, and ensuring the safe handling, movement, and storage of some truly remarkable objects.

What we offer:

• 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
• Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 - 10%)
• Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
• Life insurance
• Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
• Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
• We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills.
• Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets.
• Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi.
• Hybrid working

We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.