Collections Manager

The Collections Manager provides strategic leadership in collections management and collections conservation at the National Trust for Scotland as manager of the Collections Conservation & Management (CCM) section within the Collections team. Collections are at the heart of the Trust’s heritage portfolio, providing a tangible and relatable link to the people who lived and worked in the buildings we care for. To ensure these collections are enjoyed by visitors now and in the future, the CCM section has three distinct roles. The first is to manage the collections management systems and processes necessary for maintaining Museum Accreditation and National Recognition status - including acquisition and disposal, loans management, collections care, housekeeping, and conservation, and collections reviews and security. The second is leading on strategic initiatives and projects that will improve efficiency, reduce risk, and increase access to collections. And the third role is to provide support to the four regional property teams, such as training, authoritative advice, and contributing expert input to regional projects that involve collections.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for continuous improvement of standards in collections care & conservation, and collections management in support of engagement and access
• Work closely with Regional Directors and Operations Managers across the Trust to tailor the advice and training needed to support regional property teams to work within the Trust’s collections management policies
• Build relationships across the museum and conservation sectors, including promoting the work of NTS at conferences and participating actively in sector developments
• Plan and lead centrally managed collections conservation and management projects, including procuring services, recruiting and managing temporary staff, and managing project budgets in liaison with regional operational teams and curators to deliver excellent collections care, conservation and management across the Trust
• Responsible for ensuring systems are in place to manage collections processes that meet the SPECTRUM : UK Collections Management Standard and other requirements of the externally assessed Museum Accreditation scheme, including Axiell Collections, Extensis Portfolio and Knowledge Integration CIIM.
• Oversee the management of the Loans, Acquisitions and Disposals (LAD) decision making processes in line with the NTS policy - NTS Developing Collections – to ensure consistency and clarity of decision making.
• Responsible for resourcing the ongoing NTS-wide programme of collections review and rationalisation within the Museums Association ethical guidelines for disposal
• Manage the Loans Registrar function to ensure continued progress towards reducing risk and costs to NTS through the review of long-term loans and the renewal of loan agreements, including sensitive relationship management with donor families
• Manage the Collections Systems Manager to ensure that Axiell & Extensis Portfolio remain up to date and that development plans are in place
• Provide leadership in collections care and conservation advice by line managing the regional conservators and working closely with regional directors to set mutually agreed strategic objectives in collections care and conservation.
• Take a strategic lead in managing risk in collections through maintaining processes needed to: keep insurance information up to date, monitor loss and damage to collections, support regional teams with improving security of collections, implement training in collections audit, and ensure regional conservators provide support on emergency planning and salvage
• Lead on the provision of integrated advice to regional operational teams to minimise risks to collections during capital projects
• Contribute to NTS online platforms and social media with collections related content to promote best practice and engage audiences with the work of the Trust

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

Essential

A relevant degree and at least eight years demonstrable experience in museum/gallery collections management roles.

A current driving license and willingness to travel regularly across Scotland and further afield.

Desirable

Postgraduate degree in Museum and Gallery Studies, AND/OR Associateship of the Museums Association AND/OR ICON accreditation, highly desirable

Skills, Experience, Knowledge

Essential

Experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team within a museum or heritage environment

Strong IT skills with proven working knowledge of collections management systems

Working knowledge of ethical, legal, insurance and indemnity issues involved in managing collections.

Strong working knowledge of current best practice in collections conservation and collections management

A thorough working knowledge of the requirements of the Museum Accreditation Standard

Must have strong track record in people and project management, with experience of leading collections projects

An understanding of the technical and legal standards and procedures required for the safe movement of works of art within the UK and internationally including the role of couriers

Proven ability to compile business cases for funding support (from internal or external sources)

Proven ability to plan and manage multiple priorities and complex schedules, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

Excellent liaison and negotiation skills and ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing

Must be tactful, diplomatic and have experience of coaching and/or training others

Must be a team player with a willingness to consult and seek advice as well as to encourage and influence when solving problems

Desirable

Knowledge of copyright and rights management issues for collections

An interest in records management and digital preservation

Demonstrable experience of collections review and rationalisation within the context of UK Museums Association Code of Ethics