Vehicle Curator

About our collection:We are an Accredited nationally styled museum with a Designated collection of national importance. The Tank Museum’s Archive is Accredited and a recognised place of deposit for the National Archive. The collection consists of three sub collections: the Vehicles, the Object Collection and the Archive. The object collection consists of uniforms, art, weapons, radios, models, and other related objects. Our archive collection consists of documents, maps, technical drawings, photographs, film and related material.There are currently over 350 vehicles in the Museum’s collection, most of these are considered the core collection items (the museum pieces) and a running collection of circa 50 vehicles, which consists mostly of duplicate vehicles. Our vehicle collection is largely made up of tanks, but also includes reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. This collection includes iconic vehicles like Little Willie, Tiger 131 and a combat veteran Challenger 1.About the role:The Vehicle Curator will manage the static collection of core vehicles and related large objects. They will be the lead person within the museum for all work on the core collection and will be responsible for the collection’s preservation and all related administration. This post will not be responsible for the upkeep of the running collection; however they will be expected to provide advice and support for the management of these vehicles. This is a varied and hands-on role that blends curatorial expertise with practical care of the Museum’s vehicles and associated large objects. You'll help make these collections accessible to the public and researchers by supporting exhibitions, answering enquiries, while also playing a part in the Museum’s wider research and outreach work. Key Accountabilities:Access and Research·        Facilitate access to the collections and information relating to and contained within them according to the Museum’s policies and procedures.·        Disseminate knowledge through the delivery of outreach activities, exhibitions and digital content.·        Answer requests for information received from Museum colleagues, visiting researchers and external enquirers within agreed timeframes. Stewardship·        Professionally care for the Museum’s vehicles and associated large objects in accordance with Museum policies and procedures as well as sector best practice guidelines, such as Spectrum.·        To manage preventative conservation (incl. condition reports, cleaning, pest management, etc.) of the vehicles and related collections.·        In consultation with colleagues work to develop the collections through the acquisition and disposal of material and liaison with stakeholders.·        Advocate for loans both from and to the Museum.·        Using the Museum’s database (Tracer) to document and catalogue the collections to enhance access and research use following agreed policies and procedures.·        Carry out audit checks of the collections as required.·        Manage the hazards register for the vehicle and associated large objects and educate others about the risks associated with these collections. Administration and Departmental Support·        To line manage a member of staff (yet to be recruited) and volunteers with a conservation focus.·        Provide effective, timely reporting both in writing and through presentations and discussion.·        Support the development of collections-related policies and procedures.  Relationships·        Ensure the work of the Vehicle Collections Team is communicated effectively to all stakeholders, both internally and externally.·        Cultivate internal relationships that cross team boundaries and demonstrate positive collaboration with all team members delivering museum-wide programmes and objectives.Budgets and Resources·        Manage budgets associated with the care of the Vehicle Collection. Policies and Procedures·        Contribute to the development and updating of existing policies, for the example Collection Development and Care policies.For an informal discussion on the role prior to applying candidates are welcome to contact Chris van Schaardenburgh, Vechicle Collections Manager on 01929 405096 ext. 260 or VCM@tankmuseum.orgAdvert close date - 22nd September 2025Interviews to be held - 29th & 30th September 2025