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, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inspiring care for our planet.
- 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
Collections Team Leader (Large Objects) in London employer: Natural History Museum
As a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre, we offer an inspiring work environment where passion for the natural world meets innovative problem-solving. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and respected, while our focus on professional growth provides ample opportunities for development within a collaborative team dedicated to safeguarding extraordinary collections. Join us in shaping the future of natural history and making a meaningful impact on both people and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Team Leader (Large Objects) in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Natural History Museum.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Natural History Museum.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Natural History Museum.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Natural History Museum. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Team Leader (Large Objects) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Natural History Museum. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Collections Team Leader (Large Objects), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Natural History Museum. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
