At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a groundbreaking digitisation programme to unlock natural science collections for research and public benefit.
- Company: World-class museum and science research centre with a mission for environmental advocacy.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until 2029, competitive salary, and the chance to make a national impact.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of collections digitisation and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in large-scale digitisation projects and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ 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
Join us at a pivotal moment as we transform access to the UK’s natural science collections through one of the most ambitious digitisation programmes of its kind. As Head of Digitisation, you will play a leading role in delivering DiSSCo UK, helping to unlock millions of collections records and specimens for research, innovation and public benefit. Your work will enable new insights into biodiversity, environmental change and the natural world whilst shaping the future of collections digitisation across the UK.
The Head of Digitisation will lead a complex portfolio of digitisation activity, driving best practice, strengthening capability and ensuring successful delivery across multiple organisations, workstreams and funding streams. The postholder will have dual responsibility, within the DiSSCo UK. Nationally, the postholder will provide strategic coordination, relationship management, delivery assurance and performance support across independently led hubs. As the recipient of DiSSCo UK digitisation funding, the role is also responsible for the delivery of local digitisation targets and expert leadership of the NHMs Digitisation Workstream.
Working closely with funders, partners and senior stakeholders, the Head of Digitisation will build trusted relationships and help shape the future of collections digitisation in the UK, ensuring a major national investment delivers lasting impact. This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2029.
About you
You are an experienced leader with a strong track record of delivering large-scale, effective digitisation, or other transformational collections based programmes in a mission-led environment. You’ll bring significant experience of leading multidisciplinary teams, governance, delivery, and working successfully across organisational boundaries to achieve shared outcomes. A skilled relationship builder, you are confident influencing senior stakeholders, funders and partners, and leading through collaboration in complex, matrix environments.
You combine strategic judgement with practical delivery expertise and have experience driving change, developing capability through mentoring and knowledge sharing, and creating inclusive, high-performing teams. Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to work of national significance, fully realising the value of world-leading collections to advance research, support innovation and deliver lasting public benefit.
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.
DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation employer: National Museums
As a Building Services Engineer with our client-side Estates team, you will thrive in a dynamic and rewarding environment dedicated to preserving one of the world's finest art collections. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to manage complex projects that directly impact the visitor experience and sustainability goals. Located in Liverpool, you will enjoy the unique advantage of working within nationally significant gallery buildings, contributing to the care and conservation of invaluable art while developing your expertise in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation at National Museums!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like National Museums or be willing to refer you for that DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from National Museums who’s on the lookout for their next DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation role at National Museums!
We think you need these skills to ace DiSSCo UK Head of Digitisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at National Museums. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at National Museums. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
