At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative transport solutions for large natural history specimens.
- Company: World-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, staff discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving extraordinary collections for future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and handling complex objects with technical expertise.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 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.
About You
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.
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, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double‑check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 23:59 on 14 June 2026
Interviews expected: w/c 29 June 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.
Collections Team Leader (Large Objects) employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and employee growth. With generous benefits such as 27.5 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, staff are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the preservation of extraordinary natural history collections. Located in London, employees enjoy unique perks including free admission to exhibitions and access to a variety of sports and social activities, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Team Leader (Large Objects)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Museum's mission and values inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion aligns with our vision of a thriving planet and people. We want to see that you care about what we do!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just talk about your skills—show us! Bring examples of your past work, especially if it involves handling complex objects or leading teams. We love seeing practical problem-solving in action, so be ready to share your success stories.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni who’ve worked here. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work at the Museum and how to stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s designed to help you showcase your skills effectively. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Team Leader (Large Objects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for natural history and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Collections Team Leader role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit!
Double-Check Your Details:Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to review your application. Ensure all your information is accurate and that you’ve answered every question fully. We want to see your best work!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply directly through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Museum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the Museum's collections, especially large and complex objects. Understand their significance and the challenges involved in their transport and storage. This will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and ensure safety while delivering high-quality outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you would lead a team of Collection Technicians effectively.
✨Technical Know-How is Key
Brush up on your technical skills related to handling oversized objects and interpreting technical drawings. Be prepared to discuss specific methods and materials you've used in previous roles to ensure the safe movement and preservation of sensitive items.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you've had to solve practical problems, especially in workshop environments. Be ready to share these experiences and explain how you approached challenges, as this role requires innovative thinking and hands-on solutions.
