Collections Manager
Showtown Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026
- Full time
- £40k-£50k
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
This is a high-impact role with strategic responsibility for collections management, policy, accreditation, digitisation, rights, loans, access and governance across collections of local, regional and national significance. The postholder will act as the museum's lead professional for Museum Accreditation, Spectrum compliance, collections policy and ethical practice, ensuring the highest standards of care, accountability and public value.
Working as part of the senior museum leadership, the Collections Manager will shape long-term strategies for collections care, storage, digitisation and access, oversee funded projects, and lead the development of inclusive and future-focused collections practice. The role includes line management of collections staff and volunteers, oversight of storage and environmental standards across multiple sites, and responsibility for all incoming and outgoing loans, copyright, licensing and intellectual property relating to the collections.
The successful candidate will bring significant professional experience in museum collections management, with a strong track record of policy leadership, accreditation delivery and compliance. You will have in-depth knowledge of Spectrum standards, experience of digitisation and digital asset management, and confidence working with funders, academic partners and sector bodies. The role requires a collaborative leader who can represent Showtown within the wider museum and heritage sector while supporting organisational ambition and public accountability.
This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role within an ambitious cultural organisation, contributing to the long-term legacy of Blackpool's internationally recognised entertainment and heritage collections.
Job Requirements
The role requires significant experience in museum collections management, including documentation, storage, access, and preventive conservation.
Strong knowledge of Spectrum standards, Museum Accreditation, governance, rights management, copyright, licensing, and loans administration is essential.
Candidates must demonstrate experience with digitisation and digital asset management, staff supervision, and use of collections management systems such as EMu.
Excellent communication skills, strong ICT capability, and the ability to work independently with professional judgement are required.
A degree (or equivalent experience) in museums, heritage, conservation, or archives is essential; postgraduate qualifications, AMA status, archive experience, and project funding experience are desirable.
Job Responsibilities
The Collections Manager will lead the professional care, documentation, digitisation, and long term stewardship of Blackpool Council's historic collections.
They will oversee storage, environmental monitoring, security, and researcher access, ensuring compliance with Museum Accreditation, Spectrum, and ethical standards.
The Collections Manager will develop and deliver policies, strategies, and digitisation frameworks, manage rights and licensing, and act as Loans Officer for all incoming and outgoing loans.
They will lead acquisitions and disposals, supervise staff and volunteers, manage funded projects, support digital interpretation, and represent the museum within sector networks. They will also oversee research access, risk management, and emergency planning.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Collections Manager
- Salary: £40k-£50k
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Museums
- Role: Curation
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsNorth West
Job: Collections Manager
Job: Collections Manager
Organisation: Showtown
Postcode: FY1 4TQ
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation for applying.
Email these to: [email protected]
Call 01253 478624 for an informal chat and further information.
- Contact name: Jill Carruthers
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Showtown
Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment opened its doors in 2024. Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust manage the historic collections on behalf of Blackpool Council.
The award-winning museum contains interactive galleries that tell stories from the world of Shows, Circus, Magic, Dance, Seaside and the Illuminations. The collections are unique - demonstrating Blackpool as a mecca for entertainment for over 150 years.