Exhibition Object Handler & Installer

British Museum; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free exhibition entry

Civil Service Pension Scheme

25 days’ annual leave

Learning and development

Job summary

The British Museum is seeking an Assistant Collection Manager within Loans & Display to support its busy programme of exhibitions and international loans. This is a hands-on technical role handling objects, preparing them for transit, and coordinating loans and installation.

You will work across the collection with an emphasis on safe handling, mounting and documentation, plus collaboration with colleagues and external partners. Travel and occasional out-of-hours work are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience handling museum or gallery objects.
• Good manual dexterity and ability to use workshop tools and equipment.
• Understanding of object types, materials, and their handling/display needs.
• Knowledge of packing for transit; mount-making; installation/deinstallation is advantageous.
• Ability to plan installation activities and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with colleagues and external partners.
• Flexibility for occasional out-of-hours work and UK/international travel.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle, move, pack and prepare objects for UK and international loans, exhibitions and displays.
• Design and fabricate mounts and supports using various materials and workshop equipment.
• Support installation and deinstallation at BM and other venues.
• Plan and coordinate installation activities, including schedules and resources.
• Maintain accurate object/location records and undertake condition checks and photography.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external organisations to coordinate safe movement and display of objects.
• Identify practical challenges and contribute to technical improvements.
• Occasionally act as courier for loans and ensure health and safety standards.

Skills

Object handling

Manual dexterity

Understanding object types

Packing for transit

Installation planning

Problem solving

Communication

Travel availability

Job description

The British Museum is seeking an Assistant Collection Manager within Loans & Display to support its busy programme of exhibitions and international loans. This is a hands-on technical role handling objects, preparing them for transit, and coordinating loans and installation.

You will work across the collection with an emphasis on safe handling, mounting and documentation, plus collaboration with colleagues and external partners. Travel and occasional out-of-hours work are required.