Details:
Location:
LondonCategory:
Collections CareSalary:
£75,000-£80,000 per annumContract type:
Contract ContractHours:
Full timeTelephone:
07731708877Director, Collections Care
Shape the future of one of the world’s most important collections
At Imperial War Museums (IWM), we connect people with the realities of conflict, past and present, through powerful collections, stories and experiences. Our work is grounded in care, integrity and public value.
As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll join a purpose-driven organisation where your expertise directly enables access to extraordinary collections used by millions of visitors, researchers and partners worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to lead at scale in a complex, multi-site national institution.
Why this role stands out
This is one of the most senior collections care roles in the UK museum sector.
You’ll take ownership of how a globally significant collection is protected, developed and made accessible, balancing conservation excellence with public impact. From stewarding high-risk and sensitive material to advancing digitisation and sustainability, your work will shape both current access and long-term legacy.
You’ll influence at executive level while leading a large, multidisciplinary function, ensuring collections are not only preserved to the highest standards, but actively enable exhibitions, research, partnerships and new digital opportunities.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll operate as a strategic leader, with end-to-end accountability for collections care across IWM:
Set and deliver a clear, future-focused strategy for collections care across multiple sites
Lead major programmes across conservation, preventive care, storage, movement and digitisation
Ensure collections are protected, compliant and accessible, including oversight of complex and hazardous materials
Drive forward IWM’s Digital Futures ambitions for collections access and preservation
Lead financial planning, resource allocation and supplier/contract oversight at scale
Act as the organisation’s expert voice on collections care, advising senior leadership and shaping decisions
Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, developing capability and succession
Enable collaboration across curatorial, exhibitions, digital and public engagement teams to maximise impact