Conservator: Masterplan

Nationalmuseums; Greater London; On-site; GBP 33,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious cultural institution in London seeks a full-time Conservator for their Masterplan programme. The role involves leading conservation efforts for stone, wall paintings, and mosaics while managing a new team to ensure the highest standards of care during significant projects. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess strong practical experience. This position offers a competitive salary and additional benefits, including generous leave and a robust pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Exceptional pension benefits

Cultural perks such as free tickets

Financial support for travel

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with an emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics conservation; ideally with post‑graduate training and/or PACR accreditation.
• Strong practical experience in conserving stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Experience working on complex, large‑scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Carry out practical conservation of stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects.
• Coordinate conservation workflow across teams to ensure timely project delivery.
• Line‑manage and develop Conservators within your team.

Skills

Practical experience in conserving stone

Strong communication skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Staff management experience

Education

Degree in conservation or equivalent

PACR accreditation (preferable)

Job description

Details

Location: London

Category: Conservation

Salary: Up to £39,105 per annum + Civil Service Pension, ICOM, Exhibitions

Contract type: Fixed‑term (until December 2027)

Hours: Full time

Telephone: [phone]

Conservator: Masterplan

Full‑time, On‑site

£39,105 per annum

Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Monday, 16 February 2026

About the role

The British Museum is embarking on a transformational Masterplan programme – an ambitious, long‑term redevelopment of our galleries and collection spaces. We are seeking an experienced Conservator: Masterplan to play a central role in safeguarding our collection during a major large‑object decant and associated critical projects.

In this role, you will lead and deliver on the conservation of a range of objects, with a particular focus on stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects, ensuring the highest standards of care throughout a period of significant change. Conservation work area supervision and line management are especially integral aspects of this role.

This is a brand‑new conservation team who will contribute to one of the world's most comprehensive cultural heritage redevelopment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for a flexible, creative and innovative individual.

Key areas of responsibility

• Carry out practical conservation of stone, wall paintings and mosaic objects.
• Coordinate conservation workflow across teams to ensure timely project delivery, working closely with the Conservation Senior Management Team.
• Line‑manage and develop Conservators within your team, as well as motivating and developing other staff.
• Work closely with stakeholders including Senior Management, Collections Management, Curatorial teams and project stakeholders to provide expert advice.
• Maintain and improve conservation procedures and processes, and introduce new preventative conservation measures as appropriate, relating to the safeguarding of the collection.
• Contribute to outreach through public speaking, publishing and advocacy for the Museum.
• Prepare funding bids, tender documents and support income‑generating initiatives.

About you

• A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent) with an emphasis on stone, wall paintings and mosaics conservation; ideally with post‑graduate training and/or PACR accreditation.
• Strong practical experience in conserving stone, wall paintings and mosaics.
• Experience working on complex, large‑scale projects.
• Post‑qualification experience in the heritage sector, ideally with a large collection.
• Understanding of mechanisms involved in material deterioration.
• Demonstrable knowledge of contemporary principles, conservation theory and ethical decision‑making.
• Staff management experience and the ability to lead, motivate and develop teams, including delivering training.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting to public and professional audiences.

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: 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 an Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
• Everyday extras: paid 1‑hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen and gift‑shop discounts.

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.

Interviews are expected to take place on 3 March 2026.

Other information

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, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN