Collections Access Manager

Permanent / Full TimeHours: 37 Hours Per Week 

Salary: £35,700 per annumLocation: Museum Collection Centre (MCC) and other BMT Sites / hybrid working

The Collections Department at Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Collections Access Manager to lead the management, documentation, care, access, and storage of Birmingham Museums’ collections.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the development and delivery of BMT’s Dynamic Collections Programme, which aims to embed a participation centred approach to collections activities, involving communities and the public directly in collections work. Building on the success of the programme to date, you will lead implementation of innovative and participatory approaches to collections management that increase public access and engagement with our collections onsite and online.

You will provide line management and professional development support to the Collections Access Team, ensuring that collections management standards and procedures are maintained in accordance with SPECTRUM best practice.

You will also be responsible for the effective operation of the Museum Collections Centre, facilitating appropriate access while ensuring the safety, security, and long-term care of the collections held there.

We welcome applications from candidates with significant collections management experience gained through professional practice and/or relevant academic qualifications.

To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of managing teams, budgets, and staff resources to ensure effective service delivery.

• Experience of managing collections in accordance with recognised professional standards and best practice.

• Experience of developing public access to collections and developing engaging collections-based activities.

• Experience of working collaboratively with other departments to facilitate the safe use of collections.

• Knowledge of collections care and associated health and safety requirements, including object handling, hazards, and risk management.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and solve problems pragmatically.

• The ability to respond positively to change and work flexibly in a dynamic environment.

• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

• Experience of working with volunteers and sharing collections knowledge with audiences.

• A commitment to Birmingham Museums Trust’s values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Important Information: 

Please read through the job description before applying.

When completing your online application form, you must ensure all parts of the form are completed in full. You will need to clearly demonstrate clear examples of your experience and skills where asked and in your supporting statement. You will also need to tell us why you believe you are a suitable candidate. (CV's are not accepted). However, if you have any additional access needs, please do get in touch with the recruitment team and we will endeavour to support you with alternative application processes.

Interviews will be taking place on 16th & 17th July 2026 with Emily Locke (Head of Collections). In advance of the interview, you will receive a copy of the interview questions to prepare, and you will have an opportunity to express any reasonable adjustments you might need.

We are an inclusive employer and recruit on the basis of ability, we are keen to hear from any applicants who feel suitably experienced.     

Any offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks being carried out.

Close date for applications is 10th July 2026.