Conservation Manager

Job Summary

Lead the maintenance, refit and conservation of The Golden Hinde, combining practical craftsmanship, project coordination and heritage conservation. Work with contractors and the wider team to protect the ship’s structure, safety, operation and historical authenticity for future generations.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced, practical and enthusiastic individual to lead the day-to-day maintenance and ongoing refit of The Golden Hinde.

This is a varied role combining traditional craftsmanship, practical maintenance, project coordination and conservation. Working closely with management, specialist contractors and the wider team, you will help ensure that the ship remains structurally sound, safe, operational and historically authentic for future generations.

While experience in traditional shipbuilding or timber conservation would be highly valued, we welcome applicants from a broad range of practical backgrounds, including heritage conservation, construction, boatbuilding, facilities management, timber engineering, restoration, or related disciplines.

The precise scope of the role will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.

Few roles offer the opportunity to combine practical craftsmanship with heritage conservation on
such an iconic vessel.

This is a chance to play a leading role in the preservation of one of London's most distinctive historic landmarks, working within a passionate team dedicated to ensuring that The Golden Hinde continues to inspire future generations.

Salary: From £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

The Golden Hinde is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Job Requirements

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds. You may not meet every requirement, but if you have the skills and enthusiasm to help preserve an internationally recognised historic ship, we would love to hear from you.
You should have:
Practical experience in maintenance, restoration, construction, marine engineering, conservation or a related field.
Strong organisational, project coordination and problem-solving skills.
Experience managing contractors and specialist trades.
Good health and safety awareness.
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
Excellent practical skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach.
Physical capability to work safely aboard a historic timber vessel.
The right to work in the UK.
Desirable experience includes traditional shipbuilding/boatbuilding, timber conservation, heritage/historic vessel conservation, maritime/museum environments, team/apprentice leadership, project management/trade qualifications.

Job Responsibilities

Ship Maintenance & Conservation
- Plan and deliver maintenance, restoration and improvement projects
- Carry out repairs and conservation work
- Monitor ship's condition and identify preventative maintenance priorities
- Safeguard structural integrity and historical authenticity
- Ensure work is safe, efficient and to a high standard

Refit & Project Management
- Coordinate the ongoing refit and maintenance programme
-Supervise contractors, specialist trades and suppliers
- Assist with planning, scheduling, procurement and resource allocation
- Monitor progress, budgets and work programmes; identify risks and solutions

Leadership & Operations
- Lead day-to-day maintenance and support junior staff and apprentices
- Promote high standards of workmanship and health and safety
- Maintain safe, organised working areas and adapt programmes around museum, events and commercial ops

Heritage & Engagement
-Support our living-history mission
- Engage with visitors and stakeholders

Job Overview

Job Title: Conservation Manager
Salary: £40k-£50k
Hours: Full time
Artform: Museums
Role: Technical & Production
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026
Location:

London

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Job: Conservation Manager

Organisation: The Golden Hinde

Postcode: SE1 9DE

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than one page) outlining your relevant experience and why you would be a great fit for this role to [email protected] by Monday 12 October at 12pm (BST).

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may interview candidates before the closing date. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as we are keen to appoint this role promptly and the advert may close early if the right candidate is found.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact name: Roddy Coleman
Contact email: [email protected]

About The Golden Hinde

The Golden Hinde, a full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s original ship, is a museum and educational resource in central London. Having sailed over 100,000 miles, the ship now hosts workshops, tours, and events. Designated a National Historic Ships UK Flagship of the Year 2026 (also her 30th Anniversary year in Bankside), The Golden Hinde is undergoing a multi-million-pound refit, funded entirely through her own income - making this an exciting time to join our small, dynamic team.

Find out more