At a Glance
- Tasks: Bring major exhibitions to life and engage millions with science and innovation.
- Company: Join the Science Museum Group, a mission-driven organisation inspiring futures.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, flexible work, healthcare cash plan, and career development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing exciting projects in a vibrant museum environment.
- Qualifications: Project management experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Can you see yourself bringing major exhibitions to life and helping millions of visitors engage with science, technology and innovation across our museums?
About us
At the Science Museum Group, we aim to inspire futures by creating informal learning environments which grow the 'science-capital' of our diverse audiences. One of the ways in which we do this is through our exhibitions programme across SMG. The Museum's aspiration is to engage with the best practices to enhance our visitors' experiences through beautiful, appropriate and well-crafted displays shown across SMG and beyond. Committed to this strategic priority, the Exhibition Services team will support colleagues across the organisation to deliver exhibitions and projects to a high standard, both within SMG and with our external partners nationally and internationally.
To support the team, we are recruiting for a Project Delivery Manager on a fixed term basis until September 2027. This will be a maternity cover, part time role for 28 hours per week and can be based at either the Science and Industry Museum (Manchester) or the National Science & Media Museum (Bradford).
About the role
As Project Delivery Manager, you will be responsible for the physical manifestation of projects at all their scheduled sites. You will work with Exhibition Project Managers owning the procurement and production work packages for the project, supporting budget and programme across the life of exhibition and delivery of the exhibition at its multiple sites where applicable. You will oversee the logistics of transferring the exhibitions between sites, preserving the design integrity and protection of the collection throughout its scheduled displays. You will manage multimillion pound projects, building relationships and working across multiple departments and with external stakeholders.
About you
By joining us, you'll bring demonstrable project management experience, with the ability to generate ideas and turn them into well-managed projects. You'll be skilled at coordinating complex tasks within tight timescales, while maintaining careful attention to detail. You'll also have experience managing complex budgets effectively, including accurate reporting, cash flow planning and meeting expenditure targets. As an effective communicator and collaborative teammate, you'll be able to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including colleagues across the museum, external consultants, contractors, clients, and tour venues. You'll have good knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and experience managing contractors in that environment. Experience of managing exhibition production and installations within the museums and galleries sector, nationally and internationally, would also be valuable.
Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.
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. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
- 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.
Project Delivery Manager (12 months FTC) in Manchester employer: National Museums
At the Science Museum Group, we pride ourselves on being a mission-driven organisation that inspires futures through engaging exhibitions and educational experiences. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust professional development opportunities, flexible work-life balance, and a supportive culture that values diversity and collaboration. With generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, healthcare support, and access to unique discounts, working with us in Manchester or Bradford offers a rewarding and meaningful career path in the heart of the science and innovation community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Delivery Manager (12 months FTC) in Manchester
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like National Museums. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at National Museums.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at National Museums.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Delivery Manager (12 months FTC) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at National Museums and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Museums
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like National Museums will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to National Museums.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at National Museums.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at National Museums. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.