Collections Manager

Collections Manager

Middlesbrough Museums Closing date: Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Permanent
North East

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Are you passionate about heritage and preserving the stories that museums tell? Middlesbrough Museums is undergoing an exciting transformation and seeks a visionary professional to care for nationally significant collections while helping shape the future of our museum service.

Job Description

As Collections Manager, you will lead the care, conservation, documentation and security of Middlesbrough Museums' collections. You will develop and deliver collections-led exhibitions, displays and research programmes, while ensuring that policies, plans and procedures support best practice and accreditation standards.

Working with heritage organisations, academic institutions and community groups, you will build effective partnerships that strengthen the museum service and broaden engagement with the collections. You will also identify and secure funding opportunities to support collections care, conservation and public access. In addition, you will supervise collections staff and volunteers, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement across the team.

We are looking for an experienced museum professional with strong collections management expertise, excellent organisational skills and a commitment to making collections accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. You will be a confident ommunicator and effective leader, capable of balancing strategic planning with practical delivery.

Job Requirements

We are seeking a passionate museum professional who shares Middlesbrough Council's values and has experience in collections management. You will be educated to degree level in a relevant subject, ideally with a postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience.

You will have experience working with museum collections, including documentation, object handling, collections care and conservation. Knowledge of collections management systems, environmental monitoring, conservation practice and museum security standards is essential.

The successful candidate will have experience developing policies and procedures, securing external funding, creating interpretation plans and building partnerships with heritage, academic and community organisations. Strong organisational, administrative and IT skills are required, along with the ability to manage resources effectively, prioritise workloads and work accurately. Knowledge of an area relevant to Middlesbrough Museums' collections is desirable

Job Responsibilities

As Collections Manager, you will oversee the care, documentation, development and security of Middlesbrough Museums' collections, ensuring they are managed to professional and accreditation standards. You will lead on collections care and conservation, environmental monitoring, acquisition and disposal, and emergency planning. The role includes supporting exhibitions, gallery redisplays, research and public access, while providing specialist advice on collection management. You will develop external partnerships, secure funding opportunities, supervise staff and volunteers, and work across departments to maximise the use and impact of the collections. Some out-of-hours working may be required.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Collections Manager
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Tue, 11 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    North East
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Collections Manager

Job: Collections Manager

Organisation: Middlesbrough Museums

Postcode: TS5 6LA

How to Apply

Apply via the Middlesbrough Council recruitment website.