Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and protect a unique art collection across London royal residences.
- Company: Join the Royal Collection Trust, home to one of the world's largest art collections.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Roles also available in Sandringham and Scotland.
- Why this job: Be part of preserving national treasures while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and handling artworks is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
It’s knowing your meticulous care will help protect a truly unique art collection.
It’s the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. And it’s the satisfaction of safeguarding artworks that hold national significance. This is what makes for a career with Royal Collection Trust so exceptional.
One of the largest and most important art collections in the world, The Royal Collection is unique in both scale and variety.
As Collections Manager, you’ll oversee the custodial control and care of works of art held across our London royal residences.
Covering a wide range of art works of all types and media, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day management, movement and protection of the artworks. You’ll ensure that every object is handled, recorded and thoughtfully cared for, whether in store, on display, or in transit
Please note: We are also recruiting this role in Sandringham and Scotland. Please see our vacancies page for these adverts.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of collections management across London sites, working closely with colleagues and specialists.
- Supervise and manage the cataloguing and movement of artworks, ensuring detailed record-keeping and correct object handling.
- Direct and undertake regular audits across the London royal residences, addressing findings as needed.
- Support the salvage function at Buckingham Palace and St James\’s Palace as part of the Primary Salvage Team, maintaining up-to-date priority lists.
- Liaise with conservation, curatorial, and operational teams to coordinate collections care, property works, object movement, and exhibitions.
- Support the protection and display of collections during public openings and events, ensuring appropriate handling and safeguarding measures are in place.
- Facilitate training and guidance for staff and contractors involved in collections care and salvage operations.
About You
- With a solid grounding in collections management, you’ll bring hands-on experience of caring for artworks in a museum, art gallery or historic house environment.
- You’ll also bring a practical understanding of collections management systems or complex databases, and you’re confident working methodically with records and data.
- With experience handling and moving artworks, you’ll have a working knowledge of best practice in packing, storage, and transport, alongside an understanding of preventive conservation.
- A natural organiser with experience of planning and delivering audits, object moves or property projects, you’ll combine strong admin and IT skills with the ability to manage tasks across multiple sites and priorities.
- An effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills, you’ll enjoy collaborating with a wide range of teams and stakeholders, providing guidance and sharing your expertise with confidence.
- Your attention to detail is exceptional, enabling you to maintain accurate records and ensure the highest standards of care for the Collection.
- A full UK driving license would be desirable for this position, however not essential.
- Above all, you’re proactive, adaptable, and ready to contribute to the protection and preservation of this historic and significant collection.
Benefits
We know that to deliver our best work; we need to feel at our best. That’s why at the Royal Household we offer a generous benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and life priorities.
- Enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days (plus bank holidays) dependent on the length of time you have worked for us.
- Our excellent non-contributory pension plan (we’ll contribute 15% and you can contribute more if you wish) is highly valued by our employees, as is complimentary lunch on-site to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
- Flexible and hybrid working varies across different roles, and we’ll discuss the options available to you that will suit both your job requirements and individual preferences.
- We also offer a range of leave options to support your life priorities, such as parental pay and leave and volunteering days, as well as benefits to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Other perks include 20% off at our Royal Collection Trust Shops and complimentary admission tickets across all our locations, along with many more exclusive employee discounts.
Find out more about the full range of benefits available to our employees here. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Collections Manager employer: The Royal Household
Contact Detail:
The Royal Household Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Collection and its significance. Understanding the history and importance of the artworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the art and collections management field. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who may have insights or advice about working at the Royal Collection Trust.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience with collections management systems. If you can, volunteer or take short courses that allow you to work with databases and record-keeping, as this practical knowledge is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and experiences in managing multiple tasks. Think of specific examples where you've successfully handled audits or object movements, as these will be key talking points during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Collections Manager. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills and experiences required, such as collections management systems and best practices in handling artworks.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in collections management, particularly in museum or gallery settings. Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any experience with audits or object movement.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for art and collections care. Mention specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage and protect artworks, and how you can contribute to the Royal Collection Trust.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Household
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience in collections management. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully cared for artworks, managed audits, or coordinated object movements.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires meticulous record-keeping and care for significant artworks, be ready to provide examples of how you've maintained accuracy in your previous roles. This could include discussing your methods for cataloguing or handling artworks.
✨Communicate Effectively
As an effective communicator, you’ll need to collaborate with various teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your approach to working with conservation and curatorial teams.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the Royal Collection Trust's current projects or challenges in collections management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.