Head of Masterplan Conservation

* ROLE: Head of Masterplan Conservation
* DEPARTMENT: Collection Care and Moves
* HOURS: Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
* CONTRACT: Fixed-term (until 31 December 2027, with the possibility to extend)
* WORKING TYPE: On-site
* SALARY: £48,568 per annum
* Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Wednesday, 19 November 2025

*We may be able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. You can find out more about these here.*

About the role

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.

The successful candidate will lead, develop, manage and set standards for a specialist team of conservators supporting the Masterplan and thereby enable one of the world's largest cultural renovation projects- the redesign of the British Museum's Western Range galleries and associated back of house areas. You will have the opportunity to make a major contribution to the management and planning of the Conservation Team in support of the Masterplan, Museum Operating Plan, Public Programme, all relevant Museum strategies and in line with the Conservation Policy.

Key areas of responsibility

* Develop operational plans for the Masterplan conservation section that supports the preservation, conservation and research strategies of Conservation, Collection Care and wider Museum in conjunction with other senior members of the department.
* Manager and deliver the operational plan of the team.
* Ensure regulatory compliance for the team, including security, health and safety.
* Lead and motivate a team of staff with a range of conservation specialisms.
* Contribute, develop and disseminate Masterplan conservation strategies and effect guidance for care of the collection for all Departments to use.
* Maintain high standards of conservation and related collection care to ensure that activities meet the ethical standards of the Museum and broader conservation profession.
* Ensure the delivery of comprehensive and tailored preventive conservation training across all Departments that operate with and around the collections.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, then we'd love to hear from you. A full job description is available below; this details the key dimensions of the role and the person specification.

About you

* Recognised degree in museum conservation, conservation science or equivalent and with membership to relevant professional organisations.
* Recognised expert in the contemporary principles and practice in conservation, nationally and internationally.
* Extensive relevant preventive conservation experience.
* Experience of project management with an understanding of risk management principles.
* Previous management experience, including developing teams, within a heritage organisation.
* Ability to deliver major projects at a senior level while managing multiple priorities.
* Able to think creatively and strategically to develop new concepts and approaches.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent the section, department and Museum nationally and internationally on relevant issues.

Benefits Include

* 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

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

If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details

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=YW5uYS5nZW9yZ2UuMTEyNjcuMTExOTNAYnJpdGlzaG11c2V1bS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20