Job Profile
Job Title:
Collections Manager – National Waterways Museum
Location:
National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Reporting to:
Head of Museums and Attractions
Purpose of the Job
To develop, manage and maintain a collections management framework and approach in accordance with
Accreditation and Designation status that helps to realise the potential of the collections to enrich people’s lives, and
contributes to the wider success and resilience of the museum. The role is focused on the collections at Ellesmere
Port but also provides an oversight and guidance to collections management activities at Gloucester and Stoke
Bruerne.
Financial Responsibilities
To be the budget holder for Collections Management, ensuring that records of all spending are maintained and that
budget compliance is maintained.
Tasks and Responsibilities
1. To be responsible for the general care, safety, security and protection of the Museum’s collections.
2. To develop and oversee a prioritised programme for the restoration of the historic fleet including curatorial
management of the Heritage Boatyard.
3. To enlist, manage and develop staff, volunteers, budgets and other resources to best realise Job Purpose.
4. To ensure that the NWM Collecting and Disposal Policy is fit for purpose, and ensure implementation.
5. To ensure that backlog accessions and new acquisitions are suitably documented, according to the
Documentation Plan.
6. To contribute to the development of the Museum’s Interpretation Plan.
7. To manage, maintain and develop the collections management system using approved software (CALM).
8. To organise and promote research into the collections in conjunction with the Archivist based at Ellesmere Port.
9. To assist with other aspects of running the Museum, including helping at public events, as and when
appropriate.
10. To advise other museums in waterways or other related sectors as agreed with the Head of Museums and
Attractions.
11. To carry out and/or assist fundraising in relevant areas as appropriate.
12. To contribute to and assist with the maintenance and development of permanent displays and temporary
exhibitions.
13. To produce and present papers for the Museums and Attractions Partnership and equivalent.
14. To produce and deliver presentations on related work to audiences as appropriate.
15. To represent the Museums on external bodies.
16. To ensure own continuous professional development.
17. To maintain high standards of appearance, maintain awareness of visitor expectations and needs in carrying out
duties, and contribute to the highest level of visitor service.
18. To be responsible for own safety, safety of other staff, and any member of the public who may be affected by
your acts and omissions at work.
19. To undertake any other duties appropriate to this level of post as may be determined by the Head of Museums
and Attractions.
Revised June 2012
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Challenging Aspects of the Job
 Overseeing and providing support to collections management activity at the Museum sites at Gloucester and
Stoke Bruerne
 Developing and managing a work programme to which volunteers are integral at all levels, including working
closely with the Curatorial Committee at Ellesmere Port
 Maximising funding opportunities to develop the potential of the collection
 Continuing to develop collections access that engages and excites new and existing audiences
Working Contacts (Internal & External)
Regular contact with the Museums Management Team, overseen by the Head of Museums and Attractions and staff
identified below.
Ellesmere Port based staff





General Manager (EP)
Learning Manager
Marketing & Events Manager
Archivist
Collections Assistant
Gloucester & Stoke Bruerne based
staff
 General Manager (GL)
 General Manager (SB)
Anderton Boat Lift and
Standedge Visitor Centre staff
 General Manager (ABL)
 General Manager (SVC)
Ongoing relationships with wider Canal & River Trust managers, together with regular meetings with site
management, will form an important aspect of communication, co-ordination and effective service delivery.
The Collections Manager will regularly attend the quarterly Museums & Attractions Partnership meeting – an
advisory body that supports the Museums and Attractions.
External relationships include the museum sector and waterways heritage sector. Contacts will relate to Arts
Council England, National Historic Ships, Heritage Lottery Fund, Museums Association, regional museums fora,
funding bodies, consultants, stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Essential (E) & Desirable (D)
Degree in relevant discipline
Museum Studies or equivalent at MA or Diploma level
Experience of managing historic collections, preferably in social and industrial history
Developing and implementing collections management plans
Up-to-date knowledge and experience of best practice in collections management
Experience of working to the Accreditation Standard
Knowledge of best practice in volunteer management
Understanding of how sustainability of collections can be achieved,
and commitment to realising sustainability
Experience of working in a customer care environment
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
Training in First Aid at Work, Disability Awareness and Health and Safety
AMA
Experience of working with archive collections
Experience of ensuring safe systems of work and producing/implementing
risk assessments
Experience of preparing permanent displays and temporary exhibitions
Experience of managing projects
(D)
(D)
(D)
Able to plan and prioritise work, to work under pressure and to deadlines
Able to work within small teams, organise own and others work
(E)
(E)
Revised June 2012
(D)
(D)
(D)
(D)
(D)
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Strong verbal, numeric and written communication skills
Pro-active, enthusiastic and positive approach; ability to show initiative
Flexible and adaptable style
Friendly, approachable and confident manner
Able to work efficiently, effectively, sometimes under pressure
Good team building skills
Flexible approach to work
Positive approach to all sections of the community
Coaching skills
Revised June 2012
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(E)
(D)
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