At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and care for world-class museum collections, ensuring high standards in handling and display.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution undergoing exciting transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy free exhibition entry, 25 days annual leave, and exclusive access to events.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that preserves history and makes it accessible to everyone.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with object handling and a passion for museum collections.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking for an Assistant Collection Manager to join the Africa, Oceania and the Americas department, playing a vital role in the care, preservation, and accessibility of the Museums world-class collections. Working as part of the Care & Access team, you will support the day-to-day management of objects, ensuring they are handled, stored, and displayed to the highest standards. This is a highly practical, technical role requiring precision, problem-solving, and close collaboration with colleagues across the Museum and external partners.
About you
You are a hands-on and detail-oriented individual with a genuine interest in museum collections and their preservation. You bring practical experience of object handling, mount making, installation, and collections work, alongside a strong appreciation of materials and conservation principles. You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines, maintaining high standards at all times. A strong team player, you're equally capable of working independently, using initiative and problem-solving skills to get the job done.
Key areas of responsibility
- Prepare and handle collection objects for display, storage, study, and loans across Museum sites and partner venues.
- Support access to the collections by facilitating study sessions and source community visits, supervising study rooms, providing a professional and welcoming experience.
- Coordinate and support the safe packing, movement, and transportation of objects, including acting as a courier for both UK and international loans.
- Install objects on display, designing and fabricating bespoke object mounts.
- Maintain essential object documentation and produce accurate condition reports, ensuring collections data is up-to-date and audit-ready.
- Uphold the highest standards of collections care, including security, environmental monitoring, and best practice in handling, storage, and pest management.
The Masterplan
The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we've outlined some highlights below:
- Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
- 25 days annual leave plus.
Assistant Collection Manager: Africa, Oceania and the Americas - London employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
The British Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your passion for museum collections can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive team culture that values collaboration and innovation. Located in London, you will enjoy unique perks such as free exhibition entry and exclusive access to private views, making your experience both meaningful and rewarding.
