Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access (BEP)

Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access

Britain, Europe and Prehistory department (BEP)
Full-time

On-site daily in Bloomsbury, London
Permanent contract
£31,675 per annum
Application deadline: 23:59 on 8 November 2026



About the role

As Assistant Collection Manager: Care and Access, you will play a hands-on role in caring for and providing access to the British Museum's collection. Working within the Care and Access team, you will help ensure objects are safely stored, moved, documented and prepared for loans, displays and study across Museum sites.

This is a varied, primarily technical role where practical problem solving is central to the day-to-day work. From preparing and installing objects to supporting UK and international loans, you will work with a diverse range of objects and help make the collection safely accessible to colleagues, researchers and audiences.



About you

A collaborative and confident communicator, you will work well as part of a team while being self-motivated and able to use your initiative. Experience of museum or gallery work, object handling or installation would be an advantage, as would practical experience using hand tools and workshop equipment. Familiarity with collections databases, training in slinging and heavy lifting, a full UK driving licence or a forklift licence would also be beneficial. A Museum Studies qualification, or another qualification involving practical object handling experience, would be welcomed.



Key areas of responsibility

* Care for objects in storage, transit and on display, following best practice in handling, storage, security and preservation.
* Prepare, pack and move objects for loans, displays, study and other Museum activities, including large and heavy objects.
* Create and install appropriate mounts and displays for objects at the Museum and at other venues.
* Maintain accurate object documentation, including location records, condition reports and condition photography, and support collections audits.
* Facilitate access to the collection by supplying objects for study, supervising study rooms and supporting colleagues, researchers and other users.
* Support UK and international loans, including acting as a courier when required, while contributing to Integrated Pest Management, training and other collection care projects



The Masterplan

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest transformation since its founding nearly 300 years ago. This physical and intellectual transformation includes large scale building and gallery transformation, new ways of connecting with audiences and different ways of working. As we look towards this exciting future, we remain guided by the words of our founder Hans Sloane - who dreamed of a museum connecting all arts and sciences, which would be accessible to everyone, everywhere.



Benefits

At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do and have designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we've outlined some highlights below:

* Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
* Civil Service Pension Scheme defined benefit with considerable employer contribution.
* 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
* Discounts at onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
* Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
* Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
* Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
* Interest‑free loans including season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

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:

* Care Deeply
* Embrace the Unknown
* Spark Curiosity
* Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.



Additional details

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

Right to Work: The British Museum holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. Applicants are responsible for determining whether the advertised salary and role meet current UKVI sponsorship requirements and for ensuring they have, or can obtain, the appropriate right to work in the UK. The Museum cannot provide immigration advice, and eligibility should be checked before submitting an application.

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=cm9yeS5idXJucy45NjY2MC4xMTE5M0Bicml0aXNobXVzZXVtLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ