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Lead the charge in caring for world-renowned collections at the British Museum's Collection Care department
Overview
Salary
£33469
Location
Bloomsbury, UK with occasional travel to Reading, Wiltshire and London
Expires
Expires at anytime
Organisation Summary
The British Museum, based in London, is globally recognized for its vast and diverse collection. As an institution, it stands at the intersection of history, culture, and innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an esteemed organization and work with artefacts from around the world.
Role Summary
- Lead a team of Assistant Collection Managers, ensuring the smooth delivery of museum projects and daily care of the collection.
- Prepare objects for display and loans, involving mount making, handling, installation, and packing.
- Coordinate with various teams to ensure cohesive planning and operation across exhibitions and loans.
- Manage training initiatives, oversee workshop spaces and equipment, and provide expert advice on cross-museum projects.
Role Requirements
- Experience in object handling and installation within a museum or similar environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate teams.
- Strong organizational skills and a proactive approach towards planning and delivering complex projects.
- Commitment to maintain the highest standards of care for collections.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work at a world-leading institution.
- 25 days annual leave (+5 with service), with additional privilege days and bank holidays.
- Access to one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes.
- Free tickets to exhibitions, global museum access, travel loans, and more.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
The British Museum is seeking a Collection Manager for our Collection Care department. This full-time role is based in London, with occasional travel to our sites in Reading and Wiltshire. As a Collection Manager, you will lead a team of Assistant Collection Managers within the Collection Directorate, ensuring the effective delivery of museum projects and the daily care of the collection. A key focus will be on preparing objects for display and loans, including mount making, handling, installation, and packing.
The role: You will manage and develop a team of Assistant Collection Managers, providing guidance, support, and proactive performance management. Collaborate with Senior Collection Managers to plan and deliver museum activities, focusing on resource allocation and leading specific projects. Work closely with other Collection Managers to ensure cohesive planning and operations across loans and display teams. Contribute to developing and implementing best practice standards for object handling, care, documentation, and loans. Coordinate training initiatives, manage workshop spaces and equipment, and provide expert advice on technical standards for cross-museum projects.
About you: We are looking for someone with a strong background in object handling and installation within a museum or similar environment. Skilled in managing and motivating teams, you combine excellent organisational abilities with a proactive approach to planning and delivering complex projects. Your attention to detail and commitment to best practice ensure the highest standards of care for collections.
Benefits: Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together! Enjoy 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays. Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life. Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide. Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support. Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our values: Care Deeply, Embrace the Unknown, Spark Curiosity, Value Many Voices.
