Conservator: Exhibitions

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

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in the UK is seeking an experienced Conservator for exhibitions. This full-time role, based in London, involves leading preventive conservation efforts, managing projects, and ensuring the care of the collection through innovative solutions. Candidates should possess a professional conservation qualification and have excellent project management and communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary, generous leave, and various cultural and financial perks.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Exceptional pension scheme

Access to cultural perks

Qualifications

• Degree level or equivalent conservation qualification.
• Strong knowledge of conservation theory and health and safety.
• Experience with exhibition-related conservation activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and loans.
• Assure collection care through environmental management.
• Independently assess collection conditions.

Skills

Preventive conservation principles

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Professional conservation qualification

Job description

Details

Location: London

Category: Conservation

Salary: Up to £39105 per annum + Civil Service Pension, ICOM, Exhibitions

Contract type: Contract Contract

Hours: Full time

Telephone: [phone]

Conservator: Exhibitions

Full-time, Hybrid (at least 3 days per week on-site)

Fixed-term (until December 2027)

£39,105 per annum

Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026

About the role

The British Museum is seeking an experienced Conservator to play a leading role in the preventive care of one of the world's most significant collections. This is a specialist post with a strong focus on exhibitions, loans and international touring, supporting the Museum's ambitious exhibition programme and long-term strategic priorities. The role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise and people leadership, and will contribute to the delivery of the Museum's Masterplan and capital projects.

This is a rare opportunity to work at a world-leading museum during a period of significant transformation. You'll contribute to high-profile exhibitions and international collaborations, work alongside expert colleagues across disciplines, and help shape best practice in preventive conservation for years to come.

Key areas of responsibility

• Lead in the coordination of preventive conservation activities for exhibitions, loans and touring projects, ensuring delivery to time and budget
• Lead on the care of the collection through on environment (temperature, relative humidity, light and pollutants), and support Integrated Pest Management
• Independently assess the condition of collections and contribute to the preventative conservation of collections made of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials by proposing environmental management solutions for long-term preservation
• Solve complex conservation challenges related to exhibition delivery, using professional judgement, innovation and adaptability
• Collaborate with and influence colleagues and stakeholders on collection care and conservation matters
• Support and advise partner institutions in the UK and internationally on collection care standards
• Line manage and mentor staff, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organisational priorities
• Review and improve processes and procedures to ensure best practice in safeguarding the collection
• Ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation
• Contribute to exhibition de-install processes, evaluation and lessons learned
• Contribute to funding bids, outreach activities, public speaking and professional publishing

About you

• A recognised professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent experience) and working towards PACR accreditation
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary preventive conservation principles and practice
• Practical experience of exhibition and display-related conservation activities
• Strong understanding of conservation theory, ethical decision making and health and safety requirements
• Proven ability to manage projects, solve problems and make sound professional judgements
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and influence, collaborate with and present to a range of audiences
• Ideally, you will have experience of working on complex projects and of exhibition design and build

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.