At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in moving and caring for large, significant museum collections.
- Company: Join a prestigious museum with a commitment to cultural preservation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, and cultural perks like free exhibition tickets.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for problem-solving and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how important collections are stored and accessed.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections care and managing teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Collections Manager, you will lead hands-on teams delivering high-risk, high-impact documentation, packing and decant projects across the Western Range Collection. It sits at the heart of one of the Museum's most significant collection programmes, playing a pivotal part in how some of its largest and most complex objects are safely moved, documented and cared for. From coordinating major moves through shared logistics spaces at Bloomsbury to shaping how new storage facilities are designed and used, your work will directly influence the long-term care, access and future study of the collection.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and delivery of complex collection moves and storage projects, ensuring the safe, secure and well-documented rehousing of large objects.
- Lead and manage a team of Assistant Collections Managers to deliver projects to time, budget and quality.
- Plan, coordinate and oversee large-object moves, making efficient use of shared logistics across the Museum.
- Work closely with curators, conservators and project colleagues to support access, care and documentation of collections during moves.
- Contribute expert advice to the design, fit-out and operational planning of new storage facilities – some off-site.
- Ensure robust standards for security, Health & Safety, equipment use and contractor management throughout all project activity.
This is a practical leadership role for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working at scale, and taking responsibility for keeping nationally significant collections safe while enabling ambitious change.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Proven experience in collections care, object handling or museum logistics, particularly involving large or complex objects.
- Experience of supervising or managing large teams.
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
- Practical understanding of materials, safe handling techniques, documentation standards and Health & Safety requirements.
- A confident communicator who represents the Museum's interests professionally.
Benefits
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK's most generous defined benefit schemes - guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
- Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Values
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Spark Curiosity
- Value Many Voices
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details. Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects) in City of Westminster employer: The Bloomsbury
As a Collections Manager at our esteemed Museum, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises the care and documentation of nationally significant collections. With generous leave, exceptional pension schemes, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a supportive environment where your leadership will directly impact the future of our vast collection. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also provides unique cultural perks and opportunities for professional growth in the heart of Bloomsbury.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those involved in collections management. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with industry professionals and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with large objects and complex projects. Include case studies or examples of past work that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to museums or organisations you’re interested in. Express your passion for collections management and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Collection Manager: Storage and Moves (Large Objects) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in collections care and large object handling. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Collections Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Collections Manager, you'll be leading teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully supervised teams and delivered projects on time and within budget. We love a good success story!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can represent the Museum’s interests professionally!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bloomsbury
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the specific collections and large objects the Museum handles. Understanding their significance and the challenges involved in their care will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to manage complex projects, balance priorities, and ensure safety standards are met, as these are crucial for the Collections Manager role.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've had to solve logistical challenges or improve processes. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations and the outcomes, as this role requires practical problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. As a confident communicator, you'll need to represent the Museum's interests effectively, so consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.
