Collections Manager

Showtown Museum and History Centre, Blackpool

Permanent | £45-49k (dependent on experience)

Showtown is seeking an experienced and authoritative Collections Manager to provide senior leadership for the stewardship of Blackpool Council’s historic collections, operated on behalf of Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust.

This is a high-impact role with strategic responsibility for collections management, policy, accreditation, digitisation, rights, loans, access and governance across collections of local, regional and national significance. The postholder will act as the museum’s lead professional for Museum Accreditation, Spectrum compliance, collections policy and ethical practice, ensuring the highest standards of care, accountability and public value.

Working as part of the senior museum leadership, the Collections Manager will shape long-term strategies for collections care, storage, digitisation and access, oversee funded projects, and lead the development of inclusive and future-focused collections practice. The role includes line management of collections staff and volunteers, oversight of storage and environmental standards across multiple sites, and responsibility for all incoming and outgoing loans, copyright, licensing and intellectual property relating to the collections.

The successful candidate will bring significant professional experience in museum collections management, with a strong track record of policy leadership, accreditation delivery and compliance. You will have in-depth knowledge of Spectrum standards, experience of digitisation and digital asset management, and confidence working with funders, academic partners and sector bodies. The role requires a collaborative leader who can represent Showtown within the wider museum and heritage sector while supporting organisational ambition and public accountability.

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role within an ambitious cultural organisation, contributing to the long-term legacy of Blackpool’s internationally recognised entertainment and heritage collections.

To apply
Please submit a CV and supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation for applying.