Do you have a passion for bringing science to life through engaging live experiences? Are you a skilled communicator who can inspire and lead a team to deliver outstanding moments for every visitor?
About us
At the Science Museum Group (SMG), we're here to inspire futures. Our vision is to "think big" in delivering bold, creative experiences that share authentic stories of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
At the National Railway Museum, we welcome visitors from across the world to explore how innovation and engineering have shaped lives past, present and future. Our Visitor Experience team ensures every visit is memorable - from a warm welcome and seamless visitor journey to the delivery of our interactive and live science shows in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery.
We are now looking for an Explainer Team Leader to join our team. In this role, you will lead and inspire our team of Visitor Experience Assistant - Explainers, supporting them to deliver high-quality live interpretation and science engagement for visitors of all ages. You will play a vital role in ensuring every visitor leaves inspired by the wonder of STEM.
About the role
As Explainer Team Leader, you will guide, motivate and develop your team to deliver engaging live interpretation across the museum. You'll oversee activities in our galleries - including Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, the Flying Scotsman Virtual Reality Experience, and other interactive experiences - ensuring that every interaction is safe, inclusive and inspiring.
A typical day could include leading the team on the museum floor, supporting a live science demonstration, training new Explainers, or reviewing feedback from visitors to help shape future content. You'll work collaboratively with the Public Programme and Visitor Experience Management teams to refine shows, share insights, and tailor activities to the needs of our audiences.
This is a site-based role with a rotating shift pattern across a 7-day operation, including weekends and bank holidays. Occasional evening work may be required to support special events and workshops.
Shift pattern:
* Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
* Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
* Working hours: 09:30 - 17:00
What you will be doing
* Guiding, motivating, and developing a team of Explainers, providing coaching, training, and regular feedback
* Managing team performance and supporting recruitment, induction and professional development
* Planning rotas and schedules in collaboration with the Visitor Experience Management team
* Overseeing the safe and efficient delivery of live science shows, demonstrations and facilitated sessions
* Ensuring Health & Safety procedures are followed, including the safe handling and storage of COSHH materials used in demonstrations
* Acting as a role model on the museum floor, delivering engaging and skilled performances to inspire audiences of all ages
* Ensuring a welcoming experience for schools, community groups, and families, making each visit unforgettable
* Addressing visitor questions and feedback with professionalism and thoughtfulness
* Collaborating with the Public Programme team to support new content development and audience engagement
* Using audience research and feedback to inform practice and continuous improvement
* Motivating your team to effectively promote museum experiences, guidebooks, annual passes, and contributions
* Monitoring and reporting on sales and performance using front-of-house and till systems
* Ensuring all activities and spaces are safe, inclusive and accessible
* Supporting the smooth daily operation of the museum and effectively resolving any issues
* Liaising with colleagues across Gallery Services and Operations to maintain high standards of presentation and functionality
* Managing materials and consumables for shows and interactive activities
* Continuously promoting inclusive behaviours and fostering a culture of openness
* Taking care of your own health and safety and contributing to the safety of others
Please note this is a physically active role, requiring regular standing, bending, kneeling and handling of demonstration materials.
What you bring to the team
You will have:
* Experience leading, motivating and developing a team, including managing performance and giving feedback
* Strong presentation and communication skills, with confidence delivering demonstrations, shows or training sessions
* Experience providing excellent customer service in a public-facing environment
* A passion for engaging people with STEM subjects through creative, accessible and fun experiences
* An understanding of operational requirements within a large visitor site, and the ability to manage resources effectively
* Flexibility and confidence working with diverse audiences - including schools, families and visitors with additional needs
* The ability to problem-solve, adapt and remain calm in busy or changing situations
* Experience managing workloads and delivering to time and budget
* Good ICT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office packages
* A values-driven approach, with a commitment to inclusivity and teamwork
It would be great if you also have:
* Experience working in a museum, science centre, heritage site or education setting
* Experience using CRM, ticketing or ePOS systems
* Knowledge of Health & Safety or COSHH procedures
* Experience supporting the delivery of audience-focused projects
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.
* Meaningful work. We're a mission-led organisation where the work you do supports us in Inspiring Futures.
* Career growth. We offer enhanced support with personal and professional development.
* 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.
* Health & Dental Insurance. Extra peace of mind, from day one.
* All our colleagues can access an employee assistance programme, access to the Unmind app, and other wellbeing support.
* Colleague networks. Our colleague-led networks are an informal forum for colleagues to come together to discuss topics of shared interest and lived experience. They create a space for people to exchange ideas, discuss best practice, socialise and build a sense of community.
* Enhanced contributory pension. To support you in saving for the future.
* Interest-free loans. When you need a little extra cash for life events or home improvements.
* 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.