Collections Management Officer

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (12 Months)

Closing Date: 11.59pm, 28 January 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

This role is subject to -

• 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
  
  

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of the ‘Our Town Hall’ team, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime project for the city of Manchester. Work has been underway to restore and refurbish the Grade 1-listed Town Hall since 2017. You will play an important part in the final phase of the project, ensuring the Town Hall collections are ready for the reopening of the building.

The Collections Management Officer plays a key role in the documentation and management of the unique Town Hall collection, which includes furniture, sculpture, paintings and social history material. You will create and maintain records on the collections management system. You will work closely with the existing Collections Management Officer and Collections Officer to improve the packing and storage of the collection in preparation for its return to the Town Hall, ensuring all items are documented. You will also help supervise volunteers and contractors, as required.

The role is based at our stores in Swinton, Manchester with some work at the Town Hall Extension and the Town Hall building site.

For more i

nformation, or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Diana Hepworth, Collections Officer: diana.hepworth@manchester.gov.uk

As part of a fast-moving project, you will have a flexible approach to your work, and you will respond positively to change. You will have excellent organisational and time-management skills. You will have a problem-solving approach to your work and will be confident working both independently and as part of a team.

The role of Collections Management Officer requires good written and oral communication skills, and you will be able to adapt your style to suit different audiences. You will be confident when communicating with a variety of stakeholders, volunteers and when responding to public enquiries about the collection.

You will have knowledge of the principles of collections management to a museum standard, and you will have experience of using a collections management database. You will be experienced in the safe handling and movement of collections and will have a good understanding of collections care standards.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours

• We take time to listen and understand

A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.

Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
  
  

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Requirements

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
  
  

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
  
  

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.

What We Will Need From You If You're Successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. 

Pre-Employment Checks

Required

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
  
  

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other Relevant Information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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