Conservator: Exhibitions

British Museum; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution is seeking a Conservator to oversee preventive care for exhibitions and loans. This role requires a professional conservation qualification and offers a chance to work on high-profile projects, collaborating with experts. Responsibilities include managing conservation activities, mentoring staff, and improving processes. The position supports a flexible, hybrid work model and includes perks such as generous leave, pension schemes, and entry to museums worldwide.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service)

Exceptional Pension Scheme

Cultural Perks like free exhibition tickets

Interest-free travel loans

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid 1-hour lunch break

Qualifications

• Qualified in conservation with experience towards PACR accreditation.
• Strong knowledge of preventive conservation practices-focused experience in exhibitions.
• Ability to manage projects and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead preventive conservation for exhibitions and loans.
• Assess and propose solutions for collection preservation.
• Mentor staff and review conservation processes.

Skills

Preventive conservation principles

Project management

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Education

Professional conservation qualification (degree level or equivalent)

Job description

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
• 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 drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Value Many Voices

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

*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.