Opportunity ID
691
/*generated inline style */
Location
IWM London
/*generated inline style */
Career Level
G
/*generated inline style */
Salary
£75,000 to £80,000 per annum
/*generated inline style */
Hours
36
/*generated inline style */
Department
Collections & Curatorial
/*generated inline style */
Position type
Fixed Term
/*generated inline style */
Job Summary
Location: London / Duxford (with UK-wide travel)
Salary: £75,000 – £80,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, hybrid (typically 3 days on site)
Contract: Fixed-term, 14 months
Shape the future of one of the world’s most important collections
At Imperial War Museums (IWM), we connect people with the realities of conflict, past and present, through powerful collections, stories and experiences. Our work is grounded in care, integrity and public value.
As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll join a purpose-driven organisation where your expertise directly enables access to extraordinary collections used by millions of visitors, researchers and partners worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to lead at scale in a complex, multi-site national institution.
Why this role stands out
This is one of the most senior collections care roles in the UK museum sector.
You’ll take ownership of how a globally significant collection is protected, developed and made accessible, balancing conservation excellence with public impact. From stewarding high-risk and sensitive material to advancing digitisation and sustainability, your work will shape both current access and long-term legacy.
You’ll influence at executive level while leading a large, multidisciplinary function, ensuring collections are not only preserved to the highest standards, but actively enable exhibitions, research, partnerships and new digital opportunities.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll operate as a strategic leader, with end-to-end accountability for collections care across IWM:
Set and deliver a clear, future-focused strategy for collections care across multiple sites
Lead major programmes across conservation, preventive care, storage, movement and digitisation
Ensure collections are protected, compliant and accessible, including oversight of complex and hazardous materials
Drive forward IWM’s Digital Futures ambitions for collections access and preservation
Lead financial planning, resource allocation and supplier/contract oversight at scale
Act as the organisation’s expert voice on collections care, advising senior leadership and shaping decisions
Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team, developing capability and succession
Enable collaboration across curatorial, exhibitions, digital and public engagement teams to maximise impact
What we’re looking for
This role is suited to an established senior leader from a major museum, heritage or collections-based organisation.
We’re particularly interested in candidates who bring:
Proven senior leadership experience in a complex, collections-led environment
A track record of delivering strategy, transformation or large-scale programmes
Deep technical understanding of collections care (conservation, preservation, storage and/or digitisation)
Strong commercial and operational judgement, including budget ownership and resource planning
Experience working with governance, risk and regulatory frameworks (including complex or hazardous collections)
The ability to influence at executive level and build credibility with diverse stakeholders
A collaborative, people-focused leadership style with experience leading specialist teams
A relevant professional background (e.g. museum studies, conservation, archives or similar)
How you’ll work
You’ll work at the centre of IWM’s Collections & Curatorial directorate, partnering closely with leaders across digital, exhibitions and public engagement. This is a highly visible role, requiring both strategic influence and hands-on leadership across teams, sites and professional networks.
Externally, you’ll represent IWM within the wider museum and heritage sector, contributing to national and international best practice in collections care.
What success looks like
In your first 6–12 months, you will:
Establish credibility and strong working relationships across IWM’s leadership and specialist teams
Gain full oversight of collections care operations, risks and priorities
Set and begin delivering a clear, aligned strategy for collections care
Strengthen governance, compliance and risk management across all areas
Drive measurable improvements in programme delivery and operational consistency
Lead and motivate your team to deliver high-quality, sustainable services at scale
Why join us
Work with one of the world’s most significant modern conflict collections
Influence strategy and delivery at executive level
Lead a highly skilled, mission-driven team
Shape how collections are preserved and shared for future generations
For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against) please view the Job Description.
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
Application closing date
July 12th 2026, 11:55 PM
/*generated inline style */
Interview Details
First round interviews will be conducted online the week commencing 27/07/2026. Final stage interviews will be conducted in person and are planned for the 5th and/or 7th August.
/*generated inline style */
Benefits
The benefits listed below are discretionary and IWM reserves the right, with due notice, to vary or withdraw them at any time. All such benefits apply during the course of your employment only.
Annual Leave: You'll have 25 days of annual leave, with public holidays on top. After 3 years, this increases to 27 days and after 5 years, you’ll get 30 days
Company Group Pension Plan: Our commitment to your financial well-being includes competitive employer contributions to your pension starting at 7% to a maximum of 12%.
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Benefits: Celebrate life’s milestones with confidence, knowing that our policies support growing families.
IWM4me: Tailor your benefits to your unique needs through IWM4me. Access health, protection, and lifestyle benefits at corporate rates, ensuring your holistic well-being.
Free Sanitary Products: We prioritise your comfort by providing free sanitary products across all our sites.
Retail Discounts: 25% off IWM Cafes, 20% discount in on-site shops, Benefits hub offering retail discounts to several high street shops (via our EAP provider) and MyActive discounts for health and wellbeing based retail discounts (via IWM4me)
Free Entry to IWM Air Shows: Witness the thrill of vintage aircraft at our air shows.
Free Entry to Partner Museums & Galleries: Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture through our reciprocal arrangements with other institutions.
In-House Training Programmes: Fuel your intellectual curiosity and professional growth through our comprehensive training initiatives.
Season Ticket Loan Scheme: Simplify your daily commute with our interest-free loan program.
Cycle 2 Work & Cycle Hire: Promote well-being and environmental consciousness by cycling to work.
Eye Tests: Money back up to £80 for an eye test and a new pair of glasses.
Employee Assistance Programme: Access confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
Benenden Healthcare & Dental Insurance: Prioritise your health with access to quality healthcare services (subject to terms and conditions).
Civil Service Sports Club Membership: Opportunity to join and enjoy additional discounts and perks as part of a vibrant community.
Staff Events and Networks: Join fellow colleagues in social gatherings and events, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.
…and more!
Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Apply now and become part of IWM!
/*generated inline style */
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This role is subject to:
/*generated inline style */
A basic check, which shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
/*generated inline style */
Equal Opportunities and Flexible Working
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities.
We miss out when people feel IWM isn't for them, and are committed to removing and reducing barriers to make IWM open to everyone.
Our Access and Inclusion strategy has been developed to promote openness, equal opportunities to access, inclusivity and encourage diversity in everything that we do, from employment practices, the services we provide to our visitors to the facilities we make available to public.
At IWM we seek to address the need for greater diversity within our workforce as well as the wider museum and heritage sector. In all our practices we embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity and we welcome applications from suitable candidates of all backgrounds.
We value and respect difference and are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. Some roles lend themselves to flexible options more than others, so if this is important to you please raise this with your recruitment contact, as we are open to discussing agile working opportunities during the hiring process.
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
