Museum Collection Manager

British Museum Company Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious museum in London is seeking a Collection Manager for its Collection Care department. The role involves leading a team of Assistant Collection Managers, overseeing the care of the collection, and ensuring the effective execution of museum projects. Candidates should have strong experience in object handling and installation, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive attitude towards complex projects. This full-time position offers a permanent contract with generous leave and exceptional pension benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Exceptional defined benefit pension scheme

Free tickets to exhibitions

Interest-free travel loans

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Paid 1-hour lunch break

Qualifications

• Strong background in object handling and installation within a museum or similar environment.
• Skilled in managing and motivating teams.
• Excellent organizational abilities with a proactive approach to planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a team of Assistant Collection Managers.
• Collaborate with Senior Collection Managers to plan and deliver museum activities.
• Contribute to developing best practice standards for object handling.

Skills

Object handling

Installation

Team management

Organizational abilities

Job description

Full-time 41 hours per week (1 hour paid lunch)

Permanent contract

5 days on-site with potential future hybrid working

London-based with occasional travel to our Reading and Wiltshire sites

Application deadline: 12pm 19th January 2026

About the role:

The British Museum is hiring a Collection Manager to work in their Collection Care department. This role will lead a team of Assistant Collection Managers, 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.

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.

Key areas of responsibility:

• 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.
• 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
• 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.