Programme Manager: Collection Management Operations
The British Museum Closing date: Sun, 02 Aug 2026
- Full time
- £50k+
- Apply now
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
The successful candidate will have excellent collection management skills and experience, particularly in the technical care of collections, and be able to use and build upon these to work on a more strategic level.
This role balances the running of business as usual alongside leading on the collection care aspects of largescale special and international exhibitions, as well as coordinating collection management input across some of the British Museums permanent displays in the redevelopment of the Western Range.
As such, you'll oversee the delivery of high-profile projects, lead and motivate an expert team of collection management professionals, act as principal liaison for collection management workstreams within the Museum's key programmes and consider how the collection management team can best support this exciting period of transformation.
This is a unique and high-impact leadership role underpinned by technical expertise, where you will help shape the future of collection storage, display, access and care at the British Museum.
Job Requirements
Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject and recognised project management qualification, or equivalent experience.
Significant experience in collection management within a museum or heritage setting with in-depth technical knowledge of collection care and object handling.
Excellent understanding of display, installation, packing for loan, storage and preventative conservation practices with experience in health and safety management.
Strong programme or project management experience delivering complex initiatives with multi-disciplinary teams.
Excellent risk management, planning, budgeting and resource management skills.
Able to lead, manage and motivate a team of specialist collection care professionals and champions inclusivity and collaboration.
Ability to engage, influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across a complex organisation.
Strong communication skills with the ability to interpret and present complex information clearly.
Job Responsibilities
Lead and inspire a team of senior collection management specialists to deliver a complex programme of technical activities across the Museum.
Act as the principal liaison for collection management workstreams within the Museum's Masterplan programme as well as other key programmes and exhibitions.
Oversee delivery of projects including exhibitions, loans, storage solutions and gallery maintenance.
Ensure all activity supports strategic priorities in line with Collection Care, Storage and Conservation policies.
Provide expert advice on technical collection management and best practice.
Lead programme planning, including budget, resources and procurement strategies.
Drive a high-performance culture, fostering collaboration across collection management, curatorial, conservation and operational teams.
Manage delivery to tight deadlines, ensuring quality and compliance across all projects.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Programme Manager: Collection Management Operations
- Salary: £50k+
- Hours: Full time
- Artform: Museums
- Role: Curation
- Contract: Permanent
- Closing date: Sun, 02 Aug 2026
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Location:
| view on Google MapsLondon
Job: Programme Manager: Collection Management Operations
Job: Programme Manager: Collection Management Operations
Organisation: The British Museum
Postcode: WC1B 3DG
How to Apply
All applications should be made via the British Museum website by 23:59 on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
- Contact name: Anna George
- Contact email: [email protected]
About The British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.