At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting construction projects that transform our iconic Museum and advocate for the planet.
- Company: Join a world-class visitor attraction and science research centre with a mission for sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension scheme, staff discounts, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant workplace culture and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental advocacy while working in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience managing complex construction projects required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum's unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website. Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things. We employ 1100 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world. Diversity and inclusion matter to us. Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About the role
As we approach our 150th anniversary, we need your help to transform our building and create advocates for the planet. Our revitalised Museum will be at the heart of a global mission to find solutions to the planetary emergency. The Natural History Museum is recruiting client-side Project Managers, who will work from the Museum’s Estates, Projects, and Masterplanning Department on a range of capital construction projects including supporting our NHM150 Programme and infrastructure programme. Projects will range from refurbishment, infrastructure, collections store projects to Gallery Refurbishment. Multiple contracts available, please see Candidate Pack for further information.
About you
We are seeking an experienced construction project professional with a degree-level qualification in Building Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline, together with substantial experience delivering complex projects within the built environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing projects from inception through to completion, including procurement, contract management, budget control, stakeholder engagement, and site management. Experience working on building, engineering, infrastructure, or refurbishment projects within large and complex organisations is essential, with professional membership (e.g. CIOB, RICS, CEng) and project management qualifications such as APMQ considered advantageous. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of UK construction legislation, CDM regulations, health and safety, sustainability, and the delivery of energy-efficient building projects. Experience working on historic, listed buildings and in museums, including planning considerations and engagement with statutory authorities, would be highly desirable. They will be an excellent communicator, capable of influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels, managing resources effectively, and delivering exceptional client service. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project scheduling tools is required, with AutoCAD knowledge considered beneficial.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
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. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- 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. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures.
- 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 are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role. It is anticipated you will be required to be on site regularly (at least 3 days and at times 5 days per week) to engage with consultants, contractors and stakeholders both internally and externally. This may also include some out of hours working.
Closing date: 23:59 on 24 August 2026. Interviews expected: w/c 21 September 2026. Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
Project Manager (Buildings) employer: National History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion while fostering a sense of belonging among its 1,100 staff. With generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in the heart of London, the Museum not only provides a unique environment to engage with millions of visitors but also supports a hybrid working model that balances collaboration with flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Buildings)
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like National History Museum, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Manager (Buildings) at National History Museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Buildings)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at National History Museum
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
