Museum Manager – The Burrell Collection

Job Title: Museum Manager
Salary: £49,214
Location: Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, G53 7NN
Closing date: 11:59 pm 10 March 2024

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to bring passion and expertise to lead one of the world’s most prestigious museums, The Burrell Collection.  Winner of the Art Fund Museum of The Year 2023.  “They have realised, with real vigour and imagination, the true depth of what it means for a museum to be accessible. I would encourage everyone to go and experience it.” Mary Beard, Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 judge.

Since opening in the Spring of 2022 The Burrell Collection has welcomed over a million visitors and been recognised locally, nationally and internationally for the unforgettable visitor experience it offers.

As Museums Manager – principal venue The Burrell Collection you will be part of a dedicated team which supports the largest museum service in the UK outside London with 7 venues across the city and a collection of over one million objects that is one of the finest in Europe. The service enjoys an outstanding reputation for the quality of interpretation and audience engagement it delivers.  From The Burrell Collection to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, our museums are free for everyone to access. We’re committed to making sure people experience our world-class collections and have the chance to engage with our rich heritage. The cultural programmes we provide bring value to people’s lives. Read more on our website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

About Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life is the charity which inspires people to lead richer, more active lives through culture and sport. Simply put, we believe that everyone deserves a great Glasgow life. We do this by delivering innovative cultural and sporting programmes and events which improve the mental, physical, and economic well-being of Glasgow. Glasgow Life also creates unforgettable experiences for tourists, strengthening the city’s visitor economy. We help put on world-class events, conferences and festivals which enhance Glasgow’s international reputation. Glasgow is the first city to be named European Capital of Sport twice sport and was also the first place in the UK to be named a UNESCO City of Music.

The role

You will be responsible for the quality of the visitor experience in and the local, national and international profile of The Burrell Collection. The role includes directly managing a front of house staff team and co-ordination and collaboration with services provided by a range of museum teams including the curatorial team, a team of technicians and Museum Learning and Access team.  You will also liaise via the Assistant Museums Manager with catering, cleaning and other contracted services to ensure excellent service delivery.  You will have proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate a team of museum professionals to create an unforgettable visitor experience.

The role requires a deep understanding of the role the Burrell Collection plays in the life of the city, as a tourist destination and flagship venue for fine and decorative art, as well as its important relationship with communities. You will have an excellent understanding and track record in developing and diversifying the audiences for Art Museums and delivering excellent customer care for a wide range of visitors.

You’ll lead on a changing programme of special exhibitions, events and activities and the on-going development of the displays and museum offer.  As a museum manager you will work with the museums management team in developing and delivering Glasgow’s museum service, responsible for customer service and programme delivery. This will include the management of an additional museum site.

You will have experience of working in museums, heritage attractions or other content-based customer focused organisations. You will understand the role of content in communication with varied audiences and be committed to excellent customer service, community engagement and audience development. You will bring excellent communication, team motivation, and relationship building skills.

Salary: £49,213.59 – £57,039.38

About you

  • You will demonstrate a passion for the role museums can play in the life of the city, for locals, visitors and as a tourist destination.
  • You will demonstrate an understanding of and passion for the unique nature of the collection. You’ll have an outstanding knowledge of the management of large visitor attractions as well as cultural and educational programming.
  • You will be an exceptional communicator and team player, able to energise those around you and an experienced manager and mentor to those in your team.
  • You’ll have first rate organisational skills as well as strong experience of managing a wide range of customer service operations, including health and safety.
  • You’ll have a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject area, and a museum or management postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.
  • You will demonstrate a commitment to working with diverse communities.

This is a key role that sits within the Museums and Collections team at Glasgow Life, making a significant difference to our ability to reach our audiences and to deliver on performance and financial targets.

You can read the full person specification for this role under the ‘Job Attachments’ section – see link at the bottom of this page.

Some of our roles are currently piloting hybrid working, with teams working between the office and home. Your line manager will agree these days with you. This balance enables you to continue much-needed collaborative working.

This position requires a Basic Disclosure. Please note successful candidates for the above position will be required to pay for their Disclosure.

Declaration of Interest applies to this advert.

We believe in the transformational power of the programmes and events we provide for the people and visitors of Glasgow. If you would like to be a part of what we do, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits at Glasgow Life

  • A holiday allowance of 30 days plus 6.5 public holidays (for full-time roles). This will rise to 35 days after 5 years
  • Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – which pays 19.3% in employer contributions
  • Discounted Glasgow Club membership and money off in our museum shops and online store
  • Option to buy extra annual leave
  • Cycle-to-work scheme
  • Flexible retirement
  • Family-friendly policies.

Diversity matters at Glasgow Life

We’re determined to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Glasgow in our workforce. Glasgow Life is on a journey to develop a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We’re a Disability Confident and Carer Positive employer and invite candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read more about our commitment to equality and diversity on our website. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/the-small-print/an-inclusive-employer

How to apply

To apply for this vacancy online please visit https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/glasgow/glasgow-life/jobs/museums-manager-burrell-collection-368769

Closing date is 11.59pm on Sunday 10 March 2024