At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation initiatives at the National Railway Museum and shape its future.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to inspiring futures through cultural heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and a healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; build relationships while influencing key decisions.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on a major regeneration project in York.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex organisations with strong strategic thinking and partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of the National Railway Museum. The National Railway Museum is changing. We're delivering an ambitious programme of investment across our estate, collections and visitor experience, while York Central, one of the UK's largest city-centre regeneration projects, is transforming the area around us. Together, these developments present a rare opportunity to influence the future of the museum for years to come.
We're looking for a Head of Transformation to join our Senior Leadership Team and help us make the most of that opportunity. This isn't just a typical transformation role. Instead, you'll act as a key link between the National Railway Museum and a wide range of external partners, helping to ensure the museum's interests are represented as major decisions are made about the future of York Central and the wider museum estate.
You'll build relationships with organisations including York Central, York City Council, Homes England and Network Rail, while working closely with colleagues across the National Railway Museum and Science Museum Group. You'll help shape strategic plans, identify opportunities for future growth and development, and ensure major projects remain aligned with the museum's long‑term ambitions. The role combines strategic thinking, programme oversight and partnership working.
You'll need to be comfortable operating in complex environments, bringing people together around a shared vision and influencing at a senior level. Just as importantly, you'll have the confidence to ask challenging questions, advocate for the museum and represent our interests with credibility and professionalism. This is a permanent role working 35 hours per week. The salary is £60,000 per annum. Hybrid working is available, although you'll need to spend time on site in York to build relationships, understand the estate and work closely with colleagues and partners.
About you: We're interested in hearing from people who have worked within complex organisations and partnership environments, particularly where collaboration, influencing and strategic thinking have been central to their role. Your experience might come from regeneration, development, local government, higher education, infrastructure, placemaking, the cultural sector or another environment where multiple organisations come together to deliver long‑term change.
We're less concerned with your sector background than your ability to navigate complexity, build trusted relationships and help turn ambitious plans into reality. You'll bring experience of developing strategic plans, business cases or investment proposals, along with the confidence to represent your organisation's interests within complex partnerships. You'll be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, managing competing priorities and making informed decisions in situations where there isn't always a straightforward answer.
An understanding of the built environment is important, but you don't need to be a technical estates or capital project specialist. We're looking for someone who can appreciate the wider opportunities and challenges of major development and regeneration programmes, ask the right questions and help guide decision-making. You'll also be highly organised, commercially aware and motivated by making a tangible difference through your work.
What we offer:
- Meaningful work: We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
- Career growth: We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
- Work/life balance: We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
- Healthcare cash plan: Digital health tools, gym discounts and cashback towards your everyday healthcare costs.
- Colleague networks: Our colleague‑led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience.
- Enhanced contributory pension: To support you in saving for the future.
- Interest‑free loans: When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
- Great discounts: Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops and cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.
Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.
Head of Transformation 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 Head of Transformation
✨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 Head of Transformation 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 Head of Transformation 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 Head of Transformation 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 Head of Transformation role at National Museums!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Transformation
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!
