Assistant Collection Manager Assistant Collection Manager: BEPx3 Jul26

Vacancy Type

Fixed Term

Contract length

Please see below

Working Hours

08:00 - 16:00

Working Pattern

Full Time

Is hybrid working available?

On-site everyday

Location

Bloomsbury & Orsman Road (Hackney)

Salary

£29,642 per annum

Application Deadline

Monday, August 24, 2026

Job Profile

Job Profile document

Role Summary

We are currently recruiting for three vacancies across two locations:Two roles are based in Bloomsbury (one fixed-term until 31 December 2028 and one 12-month fixed-term contract), and one role is based at Orsman Road (fixed-term until 31 December 2028).About the role

We are looking for an Assistant Collection Manager to support the British Museum's ambitious Digitisation & Documentation Project. Based in our Britain, Europe & Prehistory department, you will work as part of a dedicated team documenting, auditing and digitally photographing objects from some of the Museum's most significant collections

The British Museum’s Documentation and Digitisation Programme is creating and enriching digital collection records; providing images and enhancing metadata above our nationally recognised standards. Working across the collection, this ambitious programme plays a strategically vital role in enabling the Museum’s vision for greater access, scholarship and long-term collection stewardship. It is delivering research-ready collection information that is transforming how the collection is understood, used and shared.

About you

You will have a demonstrable interest in museum collections and a strong appreciation for the importance of collections care, documentation and access. You will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail while delivering work to agreed deadlines.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience of digital photography set-ups and software, familiarity with museum or collections databases, and an understanding of object handling and collections management practices. You will be organised, self-motivated and confident working with large volumes of collection material in a structured and methodical way

Key areas of responsibility

• Handle, mark, move and rehouse collection objects safely, following best practice in collections care, storage and documentation.
• Carry out the auditing, documentation and digitisation of objects from the Britain, Europe & Prehistory collections.
• Produce and manage digital photography of collection objects, ensuring images are captured and uploaded to the Museum's collections systems.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of collection records, including updating object information and location data to support audit requirements.
• Work closely with Collections Managers, curators and project colleagues to deliver digitisation and documentation objectives.

The British Museum is undertaking its biggest

transformationsince 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 entryfor you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• Civil Service Pension Schemedefined benefit with 28.97% employer contribution.
• 25 days’ annual leaveplus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Discountsat onsite catering, Museum shops and local Bloomsbury partners.
• Social and wellbeingperks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
• Peer support and allyshipwith five diversity networks for community.
• Interest‑free loansincluding season ticket, rental deposit and bicycle loans.

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 information

Additional details

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

bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.Internal Applicants:We welcome internal applicants regardless of background, department or length of service but encourage you to let your manager know before applying. If you are on a permanent contract and want the fixed-term contract to be treated as a secondment, you will need to obtain your manager’s support before submitting an application.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.