Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access

* ROLE: Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access
* DEPARTMENT: Africa Oceania and the Americas
* HOURS: Full-time (41 hours per week)
* CONTRACT: Fixed term (until 30 June 2026)
* WORKING TYPE: On-site
* SALRAY: £29,642 per annum
* Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Thursday, 13 November 2025

About the role:

The department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas cares for over 350,000 cultural objects, and for hundreds of thousands of digital assets, archives and photographs. It is responsible for a range of research, global collaborations, exhibitions, international loans, and the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme, African Histories and Heritage Programme, and the Santo Domingo Centre of Excellence for Latin American Research.

In 2024, the British Museum in Camden received 6.5 million visitors, more than any other museum in the UK. Against this backdrop, the Museum is now undergoing an extraordinary transformation, both intellectual and physical, and there could not be a more meaningful time to join.

Assistant Collections Managers in the Care & Access team are responsible for all practical aspects of care and preservation of the British Museum collections (with a primary focus on the day-to-day care of and access to the collections). The post-holder will work as part of a team, and their activities will include the storage, movement, photography and documentation of the collection and may take place across all Museum sites. Assistant Collections Managers may also be responsible for the packing, handling and display of objects lent to venues in the UK and internationally.

This role is primarily technical. Problem solving is a key aspect of the role, and a flexible approach to working is essential.

Key areas of responsibility:

* Observe best practice in all aspects of object handling and collections storage
* Maintain and update essential object documentation, including location information
* Facilitate the movement, packing and display of objects across the collections
* Monitor security of objects and to maintain them in good condition in storage, in transit and whilst on display
* May also include constructing mounts and to install objects in the Museum and at other venues

About you:

* Good general education including GCSEs or equivalent
* Demonstrable interest in aspects of the Museum's collections
* Manual dexterity
* Understanding and appreciation of materials and objects
* Ability to work well as part of team

Benefits

* Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
* 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days after long service) plus 2.5 privilege days, in addition to bank holidays
* Generous civil service pension scheme (find out more here)
* Complimentary exhibition tickets
* Free entry at paid national museum and gallery exhibitions
* Free and discounted entry to international cultural organisations
* Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans
* Employee Assistance Programme for mental health support
* 1 hour paid lunch break
* Subsidised staff canteen
* Discounts on gift shop purchases

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

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

*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.

Museum Website: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YW5uYS5nZW9yZ2UuOTIxODMuMTExOTNAYnJpdGlzaG11c2V1bS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20