Collections Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 33,699 - 35,412; Full time

Job summary

Middlesbrough Museums, part of Middlesbrough Council, is seeking a visionary Collections Manager to safeguard and champion our world‑class heritage. You will oversee collections across Captain Cook Birthplace Museum and Dorman Museum, guiding care, access, and development.

You will provide strategic leadership for collections, exhibitions, research and gallery development, build partnerships, support accreditation, and help secure funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the care, conservation, documentation, and security of the museum collections.
• Shape collections-led exhibitions, redisplays, and research programmes.
• Develop policies and procedures to support best practice and accreditation standards.
• Build partnerships with heritage organisations, academic institutions, and communities.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities to enhance collections care and access.
• Supervise collections staff and volunteers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Job description

Are you passionate about heritage and the stories museums can tell?

Do you have the expertise to care for nationally significant collections while helping shape the future direction of museum service?

Middlesbrough Museums are at a point of exciting transformation, and we are looking for a visionary Collections Manager to safeguard and champion our world‑class heritage. From the global voyages explored at Captain Cook Birthplace Museum to the natural sciences and social history at the heart of the Dorman Museum, you will help unlock our most significant stories.

This is more than a collections care role. Alongside preserving and developing our collections, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our museums. You will provide strategic leadership for collections, exhibitions, research and gallery development, ensuring our collections continue to inspire and engage diverse audiences. You will also build high‑level partnerships, lead on museum accreditation, and support funding bids that will help deliver our long‑term ambitions.

As a key member of the Museums leadership team, you will oversee collections management, conservation planning and access, while helping to develop new opportunities for research, interpretation and public engagement. Working across our sites, you will play a vital role in preserving, researching and sharing collections that tell the story of Middlesbrough, its people and its global connections.

The Role

As Collections Manager, you will:

• Lead the care, conservation, documentation, and security of the museum collections.
• Shape collections‑led exhibitions, redisplays, and research programmes.
• Develop policies, plans, and procedures, that ensure best practice and support accreditation standards.
• Build strong partnerships with heritage organisations, academic institutions, and community groups.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities to enhance collections care, conservation, and public access.
• Supervise collections staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Who You Are

We are looking for an experienced museum professional with strong collections management expertise, excellent organisational skills, and a passion for making collections accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. You will be a confident communicator, an effective leader, and someone who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

Why Join Us?

At Middlesbrough, our values – Passion, Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Focus are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be joining a team that is proud of our town’s heritage and committed to its future. We offer a supportive environment with a focus on continuous personal development.

If this is you, this may be the opportunity you are looking for!

If you would like to talk through this opportunity further, please contact JR Bowes at [e-mail].

Company: Middlesbrough Council

Salary: £33,699 – £35,412

Location: Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Communications

Sector: Finance

Job Role: Manager