Chester Beatty are looking to recruit a Head of Conservation to play a key role in the care of collections in preparation for the installation of new displays.
The Chester Beatty is planning a major capital development to realise the full potential of the museum.
About the Role
The Head of Conservation will play an important role in this process as part of the wider project team. Their role will be key to the care of collections in preparation for the installation of new displays. The Head of Conservation needs to be aware of the balance between caring for and public access to the collection.
- Lead, inspire, and provide expert oversight for a talented team of conservators to care for the collection and to support the museum’s priorities for day-to-day operations, long-term planning, special projects, and as part of the Capital Development Plan.
- Provide strategic leadership in conservation and care of collections, ensuring that the Chester Beatty remains as a centre of excellence for conservation, adhering to international museum standards and staying attuned to the latest developments in the field.
- Serve as a key member of the Management Team, contributing to business planning and reporting frameworks.
- Lead on planning efficient workflows for the Conservation Department’s activities and commitments.
- Manage the departmental budget and the procurement of specialised staff, equipment, supplies and services. Report on the Conservation budget to the Head of Collections who has overall responsibility.
- Perform the job functions of a senior conservator in an area of specialty that aligns with the museum’s collection.
- Collaborate closely with the Management and Senior Management teams to develop robust policies, procedures, and strategies for ethical and responsible collection stewardship that are in line with the Strategic Plan and the annual Implementation Plan.
- Develop comprehensive plans for monitoring the condition of artworks in storage and on display.
- Lead recruitment, retention, and performance management for conservation staff, including interns, fellows, and contract conservators, fostering a strong and skilled team.
- Ensure there is a conservation presence available to the Chester Beatty at all times, including holiday periods.
- Manage the Conservation work areas ensuring they are fit for purpose, safe and efficiently run, liaising with colleagues across the Chester Beatty, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and Health & Safety regulations.
- Promote a collaborative approach to working within the Collections team and across other Chester Beatty departments. Manage administrative detail of the Conservation Department including annual performance management appraisals of staff and leave arrangements.
- Make recommendations regarding objects proposed for acquisition, exhibition and loan, including review of facilities reports from borrowing institutions. Actively prepare and conserve these objects in advance of display and digitisation, including viewing facility reports and the writing of condition reports.Manage the Heritage Council internship programme ensuring that all commitments to the Heritage Council are met, including acting as a mentor.
- Support the integration of conservation records into the museum’s Collections Management System.
- Identify, advise on, and oversee research projects and make a personal contribution to the Chester Beatty’s research profile. Maintain an active research profile for the Conservation Department via lectures/talks, publications, social media and the Chester Beatty Conservation blog.
- Play a key role on the Emergency Response Team to ensure maintenance of an effective disaster/emergency response and recovery plan to ensure the museum is well prepared to deal with a potential emergency situation.
- Participate in relevant annual audits and ensure the implementation of the Internal Audit recommendations relating to Collection Care.
- Seek opportunities for funding to support objectives and develop project and research applications in accordance with the Chester Beatty’s priorities, working closely with the Head of Collections, Head of Development and Director.
- Train and provide guidance for staff in materials and object handling, preservation decision-making and physical care workflow.
- Contribute to the development of public engagement activities at the Chester Beatty, including volunteer training and the Friends programme.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships and partnerships with local, national, and international contacts, groups and networks, and acting as representative of the Chester Beatty.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Collections and/or Director.
About You
Essential:
- A postgraduate degree from a recognised art conservation training programme.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience as a practising conservator, with a specialisation in a specific discipline of museum conservation relevant to the Chester Beatty collection, with preferred experience in administration and people management.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with high responsibility and accountability.
- A proven ability to lead and motivate team members at different stages of their careers.
- Knowledge of relevant professional standards, codes of ethics and best practice, and relevant Health and Safety standards.
- Understanding of the ethical issues associated with collections care.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge or understanding of new developments in conservation and new and emerging research trends and methodologies.
- Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills and an ability to act as an effective advocate for Conservation both within the Chester Beatty as well as with stakeholders nationally and internationally.
- Ability to write clear and concise reports and business correspondence, effectively present information, and respond to inquiries and requests from museum staff, outside organisations, and the general public.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, experience of effectively overseeing the delivery of projects, managing complex workloads and meeting deadlines under pressure.
- Experience of budgetary or financial management.
- Experience of risk management, emergency planning and disaster preparedness.
- Good computer skills and experience using a collection management system.
Desirable
- A proven research profile in an area relevant to the Chester Beatty Collections.
- Experience with Axiell Collections, or a comparable collection management system.
- Experience of successfully exploring and developing collaborations between organisations within the library, archive and/or academic sectors at a national and international level.
How to Apply
To find out more and apply for this role, please visit the Chester Beatty Vacancies Site before the role deadline on Wednesday 15 April 2026, 5PM IST.
Only applications meeting the essential requirements of the role and fulfilling the 3-step application process, will be given consideration.