Head of Preventive Conservation - The British Museum｜Meet.jobs

The British Museum’s Conservation department is seeking a Head of Preventive Conservation to play a key role in delivering the museum’s Collection Care Strategy and developing preservation skills across the museum in line with the Conservation Policy. You will also develop and manage a team of staff responsible for preventive conservation while enabling optimum use of the collection.

Key areas of responsibility:

• To work with the Head of Conservation, Deputy Director (Collections), and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the British Museum’s Collection Care Strategy.
• To deliver the museum’s risk management programme in line with the Collection Care Strategy.
• To build and enhance relationships with colleagues from the Operations Directorate to ensure collection safety throughout the delivery of capital projects.
• To ensure appropriate preventative conservation support is provided to the museum's extensive loans, exhibition, and display programme.
• To ensure delivery of comprehensive and tailored staff training across all departments in the context of the Collection Care Strategy.

Person Specification:

The role requires a postgraduate degree, or equivalent, in preventive conservation, conservation, or conservation science; or equivalent experience. You will have demonstrable knowledge of contemporary principles and practice in preventive conservation and collection management, as well as knowledge and understanding of risk management principles as applied in the heritage sector. You will have experience of designing and implementing processes and procedures, the ability to analyse and solve complex problems as well as proven staff, project and financial management skills. With the ability to influence and negotiate positive outcomes, you will be able to make critical decisions whilst thinking creatively and strategically to develop new concepts and approaches.

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. With over 6.8 million visitors in 2015, the Museum is the top visitor attraction in the UK, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, the Admonitions Scroll, and the Amaravati sculptures.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer, supports a diverse workplace and offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Membership of the civil service pension scheme
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Participate in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Child care voucher scheme
• Professional & personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases


Closing date: 20th June 2016, Midday