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- Tasks: Lead teams in moving and caring for large, significant museum collections.
- Company: Join a world-renowned museum where history and culture thrive.
- Benefits: Generous leave, exceptional pension, cultural perks, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections care and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 38400 ÂŁ per year.
Full-time 41 hours per week On-site everyday Fixed-term contract to 31st December 2027 ÂŁ33,469 per annum
About the role
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.
Key areas of responsibility
- You will lead the planning and delivery of complex collection moves and storage projects, ensuring the safe, secure and well‑documented rehousing of large objects.
- You will also:
- 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
About you
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. We are looking for:
- 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
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.
Museum Collection Manager employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Collection Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in collections care and object handling. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how your leadership and organisational skills can benefit the museum's collection management.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our world-renowned institution.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Collection Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Collections: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for museum collections shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your love for handling large or complex objects and how you've contributed to their care.
Be Organised and Clear: We want to see your strong organisational skills in action. Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your experience and skills related to project management and team leadership.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key areas of responsibility mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in logistics and documentation standards to show us you’re the right fit.
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Collections
Familiarise yourself with the specific collections you'll be managing. Understand the types of large objects in the museum's care and their significance. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing large projects, especially those involving complex logistics or object handling. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and support your team to achieve project goals.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in collections care or logistics. Be prepared to share how you approached these problems, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes. This will show your ability to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role involves working closely with curators and conservators, being able to communicate your ideas and collaborate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication skills.
