Collection Manager Storage and Moves

Nationalmuseums; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious museum institution in Greater London is seeking a Collection Manager to lead its storage and moves operations. This full-time role involves overseeing complex collection moves, working closely with curators and conservators, and ensuring the highest care standards for museum collections. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in object handling and team leadership, with excellent organizational skills to manage diverse logistical activities. In return, the museum offers generous leave, a robust pension plan, and a range of cultural perks.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Exceptional Pension Scheme

Free exhibition tickets

Interest-free travel loans

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid lunch break

Qualifications

• Strong experience in object handling and collections care within museum environments.
• Confident in leading and motivating teams.
• Ability to plan and prioritize diverse work programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Assistant Collection Managers.
• Plan and coordinate collection move activities with various stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on storage move processes and design.

Skills

Object handling

Collections care

Team leadership

Logistical problem-solving

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Overview

Collection Manager: Storage and Moves

Full-time 41 hours per week, 08:00 - 16:00

On-site 5 days per week

Fixed-term contract to 30th September 2026

£33,468 per annum

Application deadline: 12pm on 20th February

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team delivering one of the Museum's major collection move programmes. As Collection Manager for Storage & Moves, you will oversee the documentation and packing of objects — focusing particularly on the Oceania collection — and ensure they are safely rehoused to the highest standards.

You will collaborate closely with curators, conservators, project managers and contractors, helping to plan and execute complex storage, access and logistics projects across Museum sites. Your leadership will shape how collections are cared for, moved and stored during a major period of change.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings strong experience in object handling, collections care and working within museum environments. You will be confident leading and motivating a team, able to plan and prioritise a varied programme of work, and comfortable solving problems in busy logistical settings.

We are looking for someone who can communicate clearly, influence stakeholders, and manage relationships across multidisciplinary teams. You will bring excellent organisational skills, an eye for detail, and the flexibility to coordinate large‑scale moves across multiple sites.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead and manage a team of Assistant Collection Managers to deliver all projects to time, budget and quality standards.
• Plan, coordinate and support collection‑move activities by working closely with curators, conservators, project staff and other specialists across the Museum.
• Provide expert guidance on storage move processes, contributing to the practical design, fit‑out and layout of collection storage facilities.
• Oversee safe working practices, implementing and monitoring Health & Safety standards, overseeing equipment procurement and maintenance.
• Coordinate with any external contractors.

Benefits

• 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

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

Additional details

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details.

*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.

National Museum Directors' Council, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum, WilliamBrown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN