At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage maintenance and security for our vibrant museums and exhibitions.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team preserving heritage and creating engaging exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Experience in building maintenance and basic carpentry skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance.
Your new role
Southend Museums are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager. The service comprises four sites; Beecroft Art Gallery, incorporating the city’s new Collections Centre, Grade II listed Central Museum and our two stunning Grade I listed properties Prittlewell Priory, a former Cluniac monastery and Southchurch Hall, a timber-framed medieval manor house. This is an exciting time to join the museums team as we advance the development of our new Collections Centre and provision of a vibrant exhibitions and events programme across our sites, alongside the continuing care of our heritage buildings.
The Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager is an essential role in the efficient operational running of our sites, with responsibility for security, health and safety and maintenance. The role will involve contracts management and overseeing the repairs and maintenance programmes for the museums service. Working with appropriate colleagues across the service, the Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager will also be responsible for building and maintaining high-quality exhibitions and displays.
The successful applicant will need to have an up-to-date knowledge of health and safety legislation, as well as experience in maintenance and repair with a good standard of carpentry and wood working skills. Supporting the operations, events and collections teams, you will be a confident communicator with experience of developing specifications and liaising with contractors to ensure regular maintenance tasks and projects are completed to a high standard and with experience in site management, inspection, and quality control. You will be capable of effectively managing multiple projects whilst maintaining accurate health and safety records and risk assessments. A clean driver’s license and use of a car is essential and there may be times that you will also be required to drive a council van.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, it is vital that you have experience and solid understanding of building maintenance, ideally within a heritage or listed buildings environment. Experience of managing contractors, developing specifications, and overseeing works on site will be important, as will your knowledge of health and safety legislation and compliance requirements. You will be highly organised, able to prioritise workloads, and maintain accurate records, with strong communication skills to liaise effectively with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders. A collaborative approach is essential, as you will work across a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality outcomes. A relevant technical or building services qualification, or equivalent experience, will be highly desirable. You will also need to be a practical problem solver with a flexible and positive approach, able to respond to changing demands. Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence is required, as you will travel between sites and occasionally assist with transporting equipment. Your application will not be progressed if you do not have basic carpentry skills.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103888 - 105718 - Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong focus on community impact and employee well-being. With flexible working practices, extensive training and development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to the vibrant regeneration of Southend's cultural heritage. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our residents while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103888 - 105718 - Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Southend on Sea City Council and its museums. Understanding their values and current projects will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees or industry professionals on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to maintenance management and health and safety. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103888 - 105718 - Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in building maintenance, especially in heritage settings. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your carpentry and project management experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with Southend Museums and how your background makes you the perfect fit for the Museum and Exhibition Maintenance Manager role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with contractors and colleagues, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively across teams!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Southend on Sea City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the specific heritage buildings and sites you'll be managing. Understanding their history and significance will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Health and Safety Savvy
Brush up on current health and safety legislation relevant to building maintenance, especially in a heritage context. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and safety across multiple sites.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed contractors and overseen maintenance tasks. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You'll need to demonstrate strong communication skills, so consider how you can convey your experience in liaising with colleagues and stakeholders during the interview.