Overview

Collection Manager: Loans and Display – London

Collection Manager: Loans and Display
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
£33,469
Application deadline: 12pm 20th 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 within the Collection Directorate, 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.

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.

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.

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:

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
  • 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 to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.

*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.

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IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.