Collections Manager – Walsall Council
Salary: £42,839 – £46,142 per annum. Location: The New Art Gallery Walsall. Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, with weekend and evening work as required.
About the Gallery
The New Art Gallery Walsall is a leading visual arts venue in the West Midlands. It houses the prestigious Garman‑Ryan collection and an extensive permanent collection of over 3,500 works.
Role
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced Collections professional to lead the care, development and interpretation of our Collections, Archives and Art Library. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions & Collections, you will play a central role in shaping how our collections are managed, displayed and shared with audiences. You will oversee collections management to accreditation standards, develop policies and procedures, and curate a dynamic programme of exhibitions and displays.
You will also:
* Lead on the accessioning, conservation and long‑term care of the Gallery’s collections and archives
* Develop and manage loans, acquisitions and collections policies
* Curate and deliver exhibitions and displays from the collection
* Increase public access and engagement through innovative interpretation
* Build partnerships with artists, donors, communities and sector peers
* Line‑manage the Collections and Archives Assistant and support wider team development
Qualifications and Experience
* Strong experience in collections management within a museum or gallery setting
* Knowledge of historic, modern and contemporary art
* Experience of curating exhibitions and developing engaging displays
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex projects
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence to work across teams and with partners
* Creative thinking and ability to develop innovative approaches to interpretation and audience engagement
* Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively
Why Join Us?
* The opportunity to work with an important and diverse art collection
* A leading role in shaping how collections are experienced by audiences
* Professional development and opportunities to grow your career
* The chance to contribute to an ambitious Arts Council England funded programme
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement (increasing after 5 years)
* Access to the LG Pension scheme
* Wide range of training opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health support
* Cycle scheme and car leasing scheme
* 15 % selected membership discount for Walsall Leisure centres and other local discounts
Additional Information
* Based at The New Art Gallery Walsall, with some flexibility to work at other locations
* Includes occasional evening and weekend working and public engagement activity
* Opportunity to represent the Gallery at events, previews and sector networks
We want our staff to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve in Walsall, and at The New Art Gallery we are committed to promoting equality and anti‑discriminatory practice. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, races, ethnicities and religions, of different genders, ages, sexual orientations and abilities, and recognise unique perspectives and contributions.
For more information on the role, or to discuss aspects of this role, please contact Deb Robinson, Head of Exhibitions & Collections at Deborah.Robinson@walsall.gov.uk.
Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026.
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