The Tank Museums entire Collection has been Designated by Arts Council England, in recognition of its outstanding national importance. The Archive & Object Collections team consists of 7 persons and manages and cares for both the Archive & Object Collections.
The Tank Museum Archive is a Place of Deposit for The National Archives. It is the UK's foremost research centre on the subject of armoured warfare and holds documents, photographs, technical drawings, maps, moving images, books and journals directly related to the Royal Armoured Corps and particularly the Royal Tank Regiment.
The Object Collection houses the Museum's object collection with the exception of vehicles. It spans four stores and includes, among other items, uniforms, medals, flags, weapons, ammunition, models, art, radios and technical instruments.
The Collections Assistant Manager (Objects) will play an essential role in managing the Object Collection, and the collection database. They will be a first point of contact for internal and external requests for use of Object Collection items. The post-holder plays a critical role in preserving The Tank Museum Collection and is responsible for preventative conservation of the Object Collection and store management as well as advising other departments on display conditions and Object Collection use. They are required to assist the Exhibitions, Research and Media teams with preparing and mounting items and advising on the suitability of items for display and filming.
Key Accountabilities:
General
* To manage the Collections Assistant (Objects) and volunteers working with the Object Collection.
* To help develop and innovate, so ensuring that the Tank Museum Collections Department demonstrate best practice and meet all professional standards including Museum Accreditation.
* To manage access to the Object Collection, including in person tours, when required.
* To increase access to the collection through outreach to showcase the Object Collection.
* To support the rest of the organisation including participating in events and supplying information to other departments as appropriate.
* Carry out duties in accordance with Museums Association code of Ethics.
Collection Management
* To manage all aspects relating to documentation and The Tank Museum's object collections, including keeping accurate documentation and maintaining audit schedules according to the object collection forward plan.
* To be responsible for undertaking preventive conservation of the Object Collection and advising other departments on conservation matters.
* To manage the Object Collection stores, including environmental conditions, pest management and housekeeping as well as all collection hazards within this collection.
* To liaise with Exhibitions staff about upcoming exhibition installations and manage all activities relating to the use of Object for these displays.
What you'll bring:
* Degree level in History or a relevant subject, or equivalent experience is essential, with a postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies/Collections Management preferred.
* Experience in (essential):
* mixed museum collections including object handling
* using a collections database, including cataloguing
* managing or co-ordinating a team or working with volunteers
* working with the public
* Experience in (desirable):
* managing a museum collection
* working with technical instruments, ammunition, large objects and textiles
* working with hazardous materials such as weapons, asbestos and radiation
* You must be able to bring high levels of initiative, be computer literate with demonstrable experience in collections management systems.
* Understanding of Museum documentation procedures and Spectrum standards
Due to the nature of this role you will be required to work on-site. Hybrid or home workers will not be considered.
This role is for a fixed term to cover the duration of maternity leave.
Advert close date - 25th November 2025
Screening interviews will be held on 27th & 28th November 2025.