Assistant Collection Manager for the Middle East Department in London

About the role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and practical Assistant Collection Manager: Care & Access to join the Middle East Department. This is an exciting opportunity to play a hands-on role in the care, preservation and accessibility of internationally important collections, helping to ensure they remain available for research, display and public engagement for generations to come.

Working as part of the Care & Access team, you will support the day-to-day management of collection objects across storage, documentation, study, display and loan activities. This highly varied role combines technical collections care of a wide range of objects and materials including large and heavy objects, object handling, installation work, international couriering and documentation management, requiring a proactive and flexible approach.

You’ll develop specialist skills in collections care, access and object management and join a collaborative team dedicated to preserving and sharing cultural heritage, contributing to the success of exhibitions, research and public engagement activities across the Museum.

About the department

The Department of the Middle East covers the ancient and contemporary civilisations and cultures of the Middle East from the Neolithic period until the present, including a wide range of archaeological material and art. The department is currently in the first stages of a wide-ranging documentation and digitisation project; this drive was announced by the museum in 2023. As well as focusing on key documentation, auditing and storage projects, successful candidates will support our busy programme of gallery rotations.

About you

We're looking for someone with a genuine enthusiasm for museum collections and a practical, solutions-focused approach to collections management. You will be confident working both independently and as part of a team, with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage.

You will bring:

• A demonstrable interest in museum collections and cultural heritage with special interest in subjects pertinent to the department of Middle East is advantageous.
• Strong practical and manual dexterity skills.
• Good IT and organisational skills with confidence in maintaining accurate records.
• An appreciation of historic materials and objects.
• The ability to work carefully, methodically and safely under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience of packing for loans, international couriering (with associated known consignor training) and some experience of heavy object handling is advantageous.

Key areas of responsibility

You will work with colleagues across the Museum to support the safe movement, storage and display of collection objects, maintaining the highest standards of collections care and security. Responsibilities include:

• Handling, packing, transporting and installing collection objects.
• Maintaining high standards of collections care, storage and preservation.
• Creating condition reports and undertaking condition photography.
• Constructing mounts and supporting display installations.
• Maintaining accurate location and collections management records.
• Supporting researchers and visitors using study collections.
• Assisting with collections audits and inventory activities.
• Following Integrated Pest Management procedures.
• Acting as a courier for UK and international loans when required.

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.

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
• Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

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:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.

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.

Internal Applicants: We welcome internal applicants regardless of background, department or length of service but encourage you to let your manager know before applying. If you are on a permanent contract and want the fixed-term contract to be treated as a secondment, you will need to obtain your manager’s support before submitting an application.

The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.