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- Tasks: Lead a skilled team in conserving Eastern art on paper and silk.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a world-renowned institution of history and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, exceptional pension, and cultural perks like free exhibition tickets.
- Why this job: Shape conservation practices and make a real impact on world-class collections.
- Qualifications: Recognised authority in paper and pictorial art conservation with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with a commitment to innovation and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The British Museum is hiring a Head of Pictorial Art Conservation, to manage a team of Eastern Art on paper and silk conservators. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for a highly skilled team of conservators, setting professional standards and shaping the future direction of conservation practice in this field. Working closely with the Head of Conservation and your job-share counterpart, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Museum's conservation strategy, public programme, commercial activities and major long-term projects. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world's most respected specialist conservation teams, caring for the Museum's outstanding collections of Asian art.
This role combines hands-on conservation expertise, people leadership, and organisational influence. We are looking for a recognised authority in the conservation of paper and pictorial art materials, with an established national or international reputation and a strong record of professional practice, research and publication. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape best practice, support colleagues to excel, and contribute to the long-term care, understanding and visibility of world-class collections.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the operational plan for Eastern art on paper and silk conservation in line with Museum strategies and objectives.
- Jointly manage the paper conservation team in partnership with the job-share colleague, ensuring high-quality outputs and effective prioritisation.
- Set and uphold the highest professional, ethical and technical standards of conservation practice, documentation and compliance.
- Recruit, lead and develop a specialist team of conservators, including succession planning, training and placements.
- Manage resources, budgets and external engagement, contributing to commercial income and representing the Museum nationally and internationally.
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
Benefits/Values
- 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: 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. We are sorry to say that we cannot offer Sponsorship for this role. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in City of Westminster employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the conservation field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in pictorial art conservation. Include case studies, before-and-after photos, and any publications you've contributed to. This will give potential employers a clear view of your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the British Museum's current projects and conservation strategies. We want you to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the world of conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for conservation and East Asian art shine through. We want to see how much you care about the field and the impact you can make!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in conservation, especially with paper and pictorial art. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for this role at the British Museum.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Eastern art conservation, especially techniques related to paper and silk. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and practices in the field, as well as any significant projects the British Museum has undertaken. This will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Think about how you've set professional standards in previous roles and how you’ve supported colleagues to excel. The interviewers will want to see that you can inspire and develop a specialist team.
✨Align with Their Values
The British Museum values care, curiosity, and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences where you’ve embraced diversity or sparked curiosity in your work, as this will resonate well with their ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the Museum's conservation strategy and future projects. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
