At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and support the Collections Management System for two prestigious museums.
- Company: Join Oxford University's Gardens, Libraries and Museums team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, childcare services, and discounted travel.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on museum collections and engage with diverse cultural heritage.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections systems management and strong IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
You will join the Oxford University's Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) at a point of significant development in museum digital collections systems infrastructure and service. In this role, you will provide systems management and user support for the Collections Management System (EMu) used by the Museum of Natural History and the History of Science Museum. You will maintain, develop and implement data standards, policies and processes to improve the quality and availability of collections information for collections care, research and public engagement, and you will work closely with museum staff, GLAM divisional systems colleagues and suppliers to support and evolve the service.
Main duties include:
- Systems management and maintenance
- User administration and support
- Quality assurance of collections information and system configuration
- Reporting and monitoring of system performance and usage
- Contributing to roadmap and policy development
- Representing institutional requirements in relevant meetings
This is a full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. Possible for remote working up to 2 days per week by agreement with the line managers. Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to access to museum collections.
About You
You will have proven experience of collections systems management within a museum or heritage environment and knowledge and understanding of policy and processes as well as associated information standards for collections management of both cultural and natural history collections. You will be competent in bulk data analysis, updates and imports and have a practical understanding of data schemas, integrations and APIs. You will be analytical and able to assimilate complex information quickly and to carry out detailed work with precision and accuracy. Excellent general IT skills are required, including confidence with Office and collaboration tools. Experience of EMu and scripting or database skills would be advantageous, as would prior line management or project management experience.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible.
If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a Supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities.
The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Łukasz Kowalski, Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems, GLAM Divisional Office, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (lukasz.kowalski@glam.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Wednesday 18 March 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during week commencing 20 April 2026.
For further details and to apply, please use the link below: Apply Here
CMS Manager - Museum of Natural History and History of Science Museum in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
At the Museum of Natural History and History of Science, part of Oxford University's Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, childcare services, and flexible working options, we are committed to your professional growth and development while you contribute to the evolution of our digital collections systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CMS Manager - Museum of Natural History and History of Science Museum in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the museum sector, especially those who work with collections management systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with collections systems management. This will give you an edge during interviews and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job posting that excites you, don’t wait for the deadline. Apply through our website and follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview by researching the museum’s current digital initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their projects will impress the panel and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace CMS Manager - Museum of Natural History and History of Science Museum in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement for this role. List each essential and desirable criterion from the job description and explain how you meet them. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Show Off Your Experience:We want to see your proven experience in collections systems management. Highlight any relevant roles or projects you've worked on, especially those involving EMu or similar systems. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your CV and supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the link provided in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Systems
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Collections Management System (EMu) and its functionalities. Brush up on your knowledge of data standards, policies, and processes relevant to collections management, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with bulk data analysis and how you've handled data schemas, integrations, and APIs in previous roles. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your analytical abilities and attention to detail.
✨Engage with the Team
Since collaboration is key in this role, think about how you can contribute to team dynamics. Prepare questions about how the museum staff and GLAM divisional systems colleagues work together, and express your enthusiasm for supporting and evolving the service.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When crafting your supporting statement, directly address each essential and desirable selection criterion listed in the job description. Use clear examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet these criteria, as this will make your application stand out.
