Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art)
Organisation:
The British Museum
Salary:
£48,568 p.a.
Type:
Part-Time Position (Job share: 3 days per week)
Location:
London, England
Closing Date:
Monday, 16th February 2026
Job Ref No:
HoPictArtCons(East)
Job Description
Position: Head of Pictorial Art Conservation (East Asian Art)
Salary: 48,568 per annum (29,140 pro rata)
Job share: 3 days per week
Monday - Wednesday only, 21.6 hours
Permanent contract
Occasional WFH option
About the role
The British Museum is hiring a Head of Pictorial Art Conservation, to manage a team of Eastern Art on paper and silk conservators. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for a highly skilled team of conservators, setting professional standards and shaping the future direction of conservation practice in this field.
Working closely with the Head of Conservation and your job‑share counterpart, you will play a key role in the planning and delivery of the Museum’s conservation strategy, public programme, commercial activities and major long‑term projects. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s most respected specialist conservation teams, caring for the Museum’s outstanding collections of Asian art.
About you
This role combines hands‑on conservation expertise, people leadership, and organisational influence. We are looking for a recognised authority in the conservation of paper and pictorial art materials, with an established national or international reputation and a strong record of professional practice, research and publication.
You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape best practice, support colleagues to excel, and contribute to the long‑term care, understanding and visibility of world‑class collections.
Key areas of responsibility
The role focuses on the work of the Hirayama Studio. You will work with a team of international colleagues based at the studio who use a combination of traditional techniques and modern technology to conserve East Asian art. You will also:
• Lead and deliver the operational plan for Eastern art on paper and silk conservation in line with Museum strategies and objectives
• Jointly manage the paper conservation team in partnership with the job‑share colleague, ensuring high‑quality outputs and effective prioritisation
• Set and uphold the highest professional, ethical and technical standards of conservation practice, documentation and compliance
• Recruit, lead and develop a specialist team of conservators, including succession planning, training and placements
• Manage resources, budgets and external engagement, contributing to commercial income and representing the Museum nationally and internationally
Benefits
• Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
• Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
• Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
• Financial Support: Interest-free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
• Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
• Everyday Extras: Paid 1-hour lunch break, subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
Our Values
Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered. These are:
• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices
Additional details
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details.
*We are sorry to say that we cannot offer Sponsorship for this role.*
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Application Instructions
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) 16th February 2026
