Senior Collections & House Officer

National Trust; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent conservation organization in England is seeking a Senior Collections and House Officer to lead teams in conserving historic collections and enhancing visitor experiences at Melford Hall. The role includes managing a team, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring high standards of conservation. Ideal candidates should have experience in collections management and a commitment to customer service. This is a fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth and development.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Flexible working where possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience in managing collections and documentation programs.
• Ability to deliver inclusive and accessible visitor experiences.
• Confidence in leading a team and managing resources.
• Knowledge of collections management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of collections assistants and volunteers.
• Responsible for daily opening and visitor experience.
• Plan and run conservation projects.
• Use preventative conservation methods.

Skills

Managing collections care

Delivering visitor experiences

Working collaboratively

Understanding house operations

Leading and managing volunteers

Preventative conservation

Job description

Position Overview

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• ability to manage collections care, documentation and conservation programmes to agreed standards
• experience in delivering inclusive and accessible visitor experiences with collections and historic interiors or places
• confidence in working collaboratively with colleagues
• understanding of day-to-day house operations, with the ability to manage or supervise resources and ensure compliance
• ability to identify and resolve operational and collections‑related issues, using feedback and guidance to improve services
• a skilled leader of people, with experience of managing and working with volunteers
• experienced in caring for collections in a historic setting, with knowledge of collections management systems
• familiar with preventative conservation and how to apply it, both practically and strategically, through programmes of routine and deep cleaning
• aware of health and safety and emergency procedures

We're looking for a Senior Collections and House Officer who can help to create memorable experiences for all visitors as well as championing the care of important collections at Melford Hall and Lavenham Guildhall.

This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.

What it's like to work here The teams in the Suffolk Portfolio of Ickworth Estate, Melford Hall, and Lavenham Guildhall are in the process of putting together masterplans which will bring significant changes to the properties. New conservation projects means that the team will be looking for committed people to join them. Melford Hall is a surprising country house. Set on the village green in Long Melford, it has a fascinating history ranging from a medieval monastic estate to a lived in family home. The stories it shares with us are of changing tastes, survival against adversity, naval adventures on the high seas and family life. If you enjoy providing great customer service and would take pride in serving this very special property, the team would love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

You’ll manage a team of collections assistants and volunteers to conserve and clean the house and its collections. You’ll be responsible for the daily opening of the house, making sure you have the people in place to provide a consistently high-quality experience for visitors. You’ll also be responsible for attaining excellent standards of care, and for the planning and running of conservation projects. You’ll be collecting and recording data, and using preventative conservation, to help our understanding and how best to conserve, interpret and present the house and its collections. You’ll lead by example to embed a culture of excellent customer care, welcoming and introducing visitors to the work of your team here and the wider conservation work of the National Trust.

The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever. The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places