Senior Spatial and Exhibition Design Manager

Senior Spatial and Exhibition Design Manager

Do you have demonstrable experience of delivering museum graphic design and an understanding of wider design requirements in a museum context? Would you like the opportunity to find new ways of displaying and interpreting our collections and stories through fresh, sophisticated, high-quality design?

About us
The Science Museum's Design Studio includes both graphic and spatial designers. We design for temporary exhibitions, permanent galleries and other museum spaces. We design wayfinding and signage, marketing campaigns, print and publications for the Museum and are responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest level of design standards across the Museum.

We are now recruiting for a Senior Spatial and Exhibition Design Manager to join on a permanent contract. This is a full-time role, working 35 hours per week and is based at the Science Museum in London with hybrid working available.

About the role
As Senior Spatial & Exhibition Design Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership of the 3D Design both within the Design Studio and from external suppliers. Your main focus will be the Science Museum, the Science & Industry Museum and the National Museum of Science & Media but you may be required to work across the entire Science Museum Group giving creative direction and advice for all relevant design projects.

For gallery and exhibition projects, this is an active role that will look for new ways of displaying and interpreting our collections and stories through fresh, sophisticated, high-quality design. In addition, you will be required to produce and provide feedback on design reports, tender and production documentation and specifications.

You will be a champion and leader on spatial design within the museums' physical spaces and touring exhibits. You will work closely with the marketing and commercial teams to ensure compliance with our brand guidelines. You will also work closely with project managers and external design teams, drawing on your experience and expertise to advise on the design process and outcomes.

About you
Joining us, you will have a degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Architecture, Exhibition Design or a relevant related discipline, with professional experience at a senior level. You will have demonstrable experience of delivering museum graphic design from RIBA Stage 0-6, including technical coordination of work packages and specification writing.

Crucially, you will have an understanding of wider design requirements in a museum context including graphic design, lighting design, conservation-safe design, accessible design and showcase design. You will have technical understanding of techniques, materials and construction processes.

You will have the communication skills required to brief designers (external and in-house) appropriately and work collaboratively with others. You will have a diplomatic approach with the ability to liaise with internal and external clients and stakeholders to build and maintain positive working relationships at all levels.

Don't feel you meet all the criteria? We welcome you to apply even if your experience doesn't match directly. With your transferable skills, you could be the right candidate for this, or other opportunities that we have.

Applying
View the Vacancy Information Pack listed under 'Attachments' on the vacancy listing on our website for more details about the role and the application process or click 'Apply Online' to submit an application.

What we offer
Working with a world-leading museum group that offers access to truly unique environments and collections, you'll benefit from the perks listed below, as well as full support for life events such as parental and adoption leave, sickness, and career breaks.

1. Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
2. Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
3. Work/life balance. We offer 27 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, along with flexible policies which support you and your home life.
4. Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
5. Wellbeing. All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
6. Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience.
7. Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
8. Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
9. Great discounts. Free entry to exhibitions, discounts in our shops, cafes, and access to other museums in the NMDC network.

Open for All is one of the Science Museum Group's five core values and sets out our important aspiration to be a place for everyone. We are working hard to understand our organisation better and to develop a culture that recognises and values different backgrounds, mindsets, skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise. By having greater diversity, we believe that we will be a stronger and better organisation, capable to continue to Inspire Futures.