At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in moving and caring for large 3D objects in a museum setting.
- Company: Join a world-renowned museum where history and culture thrive.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects while preserving history and culture.
- Qualifications: Strong manual dexterity and a passion for hands-on work with museum objects.
- Other info: Flexible, dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 35300 £ per year.
Full-time 41 hours per week, on-site every day. Fixed-term contract to 31st December 2027. £29,642 per annum. Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on 23rd February 2026.
About the role
As an Assistant Collection Manager, you will play a hands-on technical role supporting the preparation and movement of objects, with a focus on large 3D objects, as part of major collection move projects. The role is central to ensuring that objects are handled, packed, transported and rehoused safely, following best practice in collections care and preservation.
You will help maintain object security, condition and documentation, working across busy project environments at the Museum’s Bloomsbury site and occasionally at off-site stores. The role requires flexibility, problem-solving and the ability to work effectively within a team delivering work under time pressure.
Key areas of responsibility
- Facilitate the movement, packing and rehousing of large 3D objects, ensuring safe handling.
- Monitor object security and condition, maintaining them safely in storage and in transit.
- Maintain and update essential object documentation, including locations, tracking information and photography, ensuring accuracy for audit.
- Create condition reports and undertake condition photography, supporting accurate recording during moves and storage.
- Support wider project activity assisting with collections audits, following Health & Safety standards and representing the Museum professionally.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings strong manual dexterity and a practical appreciation of museum objects and materials. You will enjoy hands-on, technical work and feel comfortable working in physically demanding environments, including lifting, moving and handling large 3D objects.
You will be self-motivated, able to work well within a team as well as independently, and adaptable to changing project needs or cross-departmental work. We are also looking for someone who can follow best-practice procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and approach every task with care, attention to detail and a flexible, problem-solving mindset.
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
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.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Value Many Voices
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
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.
Assistant Collection Manager employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Collection Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the museum's collection and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to handling large objects and collections care. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or others in the field. Reach out on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Having someone vouch for you can make a huge difference when it comes to landing that job!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, be ready to demonstrate your manual dexterity and problem-solving skills. Practise moving and handling large objects safely if you can.
✨Tip Number 4
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 the museum.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Collection Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience with large 3D objects and technical roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Assistant Collection Manager position.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to changing project needs, so don’t hold back!
Attention to Detail is Key: Since this role involves maintaining accurate documentation and condition reports, make sure your application reflects your attention to detail. A well-organised CV and cover letter will show us you’re serious about the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and stands out to us!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Objects
Familiarise yourself with the types of large 3D objects you might be handling. Research best practices in collections care and preservation, as this will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the importance of object security and condition.
✨Demonstrate Your Dexterity
Since manual dexterity is key for this position, be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have with handling large or delicate items. You could even bring examples of past projects where you successfully managed similar tasks to showcase your skills.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you've had to adapt to changing project needs or overcome challenges in a team setting. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview to highlight your flexibility and problem-solving mindset.
✨Embrace the Museum's Values
Understand the museum's values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, and Value Many Voices. Prepare to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with your approach to teamwork and object handling.