Summary
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 Wightwick Manor and Gardens
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Property Experiences Curator, you’ll be part of a team of dedicated professionals, leading a team of 4 Collections Assistants and 250 volunteers.
Wightwick Manor, once home to a local industrialist, is a rare example of an Arts and Crafts house. Its internationally significant collection includes original William Morris wallpapers and furnishings, and artworks by Rossetti, Siddal, Spartali-Stillman, and Burne-Jones. The role involves liaising with national and international experts on the collection and family history. Wightwick also hosts the Malthouse Gallery and works in partnership with the DeMorgan Foundation, requiring collaboration with its staff and Trustees.
What you'll be doing
This is an exciting time to join us. We’re a new portfolio focused on the National Trust’s priorities of Ending Unequal Access and Inspiring Millions, as part of our strategy "People and Nature Thriving".
You will also focus on reaching audiences beyond our places, where partnership working will be key. This role includes regular weekend, bank holiday, evening work and duty management responsibilities.
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.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
1. a skilled leader of people, with experience of managing and working with volunteers
2. experienced in caring for collections in a historic setting, with knowledge of collections management systems
3. familiar with preventative conservation and how to apply it, both practically and strategically, through programmes of routine and deep cleaning
4. aware of health and safety and emergency procedures
5. highly organised, with a strong attention to detail
6. confident in communicating with all kinds of people.
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:
7. ability to manage collections care, documentation, and conservation programmes to agreed standards
8. experience in delivering inclusive and accessible visitor experiences with collections and historic interiors or places
9. confidence in working collaboratively with colleagues
10. understanding of day-to-day house operations, with the ability to manage or supervise resources and ensure compliance
11. ability to identify and resolve operational and collections-related issues, using feedback and guidance to improve services
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•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