Collections Care and Conservation Manager

We are looking to recruit a Collections Care and Conservation Manager to join our team based at our Stafford site. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £38,000-£40,000 per annum (dependent on experience).

The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non-departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future - using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story - the people who shape it and its place in our lives.

We have two public sites (London and Midlands) and a stored collection (Stafford). Our trading company and active fundraising supplement Grant in Aid which comes through the Ministry of Defence.

Purpose of the Collections Care and Conservation Manager role:

We are looking for an experienced Collections Care and Conservation Manager to join the Museum team at an exciting time as we prepare for a major store move and develop vibrant and engaging new exhibitions.

You will manage the development and delivery of collections care and conservation projects and facilities across the three Museum sites as well as a range of activities to ensure the preservation of collections while promoting wider public access to the RAF story and volunteer engagement.

Key responsibilities of our Collections Care and Conservation Manager include:

1. Lead the collections care and conservation team, integrating staff and volunteers to condition assess, document, clean and conserve objects ranging from aircraft and uniforms to personal papers and art works so they can be shared with audiences on site, offsite and online.
2. Plan, manage and monitor the delivery of programmes for the conservation of and access to the Museum’s collections, planning activities, managing risk, time and resources in accordance with professional standards, policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
3. Ensure the safe, secure, effective and efficient management of the conservation team, volunteers, contractors, conservation materials, equipment and facilities.
4. Ensure an effective balance is made between long-term preservation, restoration and the Museum’s access and interpretation objectives.
5. Manage the Collections Disaster Response and Salvage Plan, acting as lead contact in emergencies relating to collections, liaising with the Visitor Experience Supervisors to ensure effective incident management, damage reporting and to support wider emergency planning through the Museum’s Incident Management Plan.
6. Support and facilitate the Museum’s commercial activities.

What we are looking for in our Collections Care and Conservation Manager:

1. Relevant experience in managing, maintaining and conserving museum collections, notably in relation to stored collections, collection moves and exhibition projects.
2. Demonstrable experience of implemented collections care in line with professional standards and best practice.
3. Communicates in a straightforward manner, demonstrating respect and acting with integrity and impartiality.
4. Recognises scope of own authority for decision making and empowers team members to make appropriate decisions.
5. Relevant conservation or collections management qualification.
6. Experience of COSHH and health and safety regulations and legislation, including radiation protection and asbestos.
7. Full, clean driving licence.

Closing Date: 25th April 2025
Interviews will take place on: 8th May 2025

If you think you have what it takes and want to be part of this exciting journey, please click apply now to be re-directed to our jobs page where you can access the application method and details for the Collections Care and Conservation Manager role. Join us in delivering our purpose and achieving our vision, ensuring that the Royal Air Force’s story continues to enrich and inspire current and future generations. We would love to hear from you.