Opportunities

Our Fair Work First Statement

We are looking for an enthusiastic, efficient person to join our team as Operational Manager. You will lead a small group of staff, and work closely with our Curator, to manage the day-to-day business of the Museum. We have exciting plans to re-develop our Museum, preserving and extending our building whilst caring for our extensive collections; you will be at the heart of this campaign, supporting a staff team and volunteers and helping to look after sixty thousand visitors per year.

Initially a two-year appointment we are optimistic of extending this role in the future. You will be expected to work evenings and weekends as required.

Please apply by email with your CV to: recruitment@westhighlandmuseum.org.uk

Closing date is Monday 17 March at noon

Interviews will take place on Friday 21 March 2025.

Museum Operations Manager

Job Description:

Summary: Ensure the effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the Museum

Reports to: Board Human Resources sub-committee

Key Relationship: Museum Curator (Retail Manager)

Responsible for: Operational staff and volunteers

Salary: £34,716.15 per annum pro rata [£23,144.10 p.a]

Hours worked: 25 hours per week – flexible working including some evenings and weekends

Contract: 2 years (with possibility of permanent post)

Administration:

• Prepare the Museum’s Annual Report
• Organise and host the Annual General Meeting
• Ensure administrative tasks are completed as required

• Prepare Agenda and Papers for Board Meetings
• Review Policies and Procedures as required
• Manage sub-tenancies as required
• Provide support to the Redevelopment Project as required

Finance:

• Oversee financial management, including agreeing and overseeing operational budgets
• Preparation of accounts in collaboration with Financial Administrator
• Back up for Banking

Staffing:

• Recruiting and training staff

• Recruitment, training and deployment of volunteers

• Host staff meetings/briefings as required
• Conducting performance reviews and appraisals

Health, Safety and Security:

• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation including health and safety standards
• Maintain the Risk Register
• Undertake risk assessments as required
• organise bi-annual fire drills, emergency lighting testing, fire alarm tests

• Ensuring the Museum and its collections remain secure
• Participate in keyholder duties

Fundraising:

• Support Museum fundraising as required

• Contribute to the preparation and distribution of the members’ newsletter

• Oversee implementation of the CRM and liaise with Museum Friends organisations
• Ensure funders receive acknowledgement, reports and updates as required

Museum Activities:

• Supporting museum outreach and education programmes
• Oversee events management
• Support delivery of exhibitions

• Book meeting rooms
• Covering reception when needed

• Supporting Grant applications
• Project management/participation 2024/5:

• BOW
• The Space audit
• WHM redevelopment

Facilities management and visitor experience:

• Facilities management – fixing any issues arising (e.g. boiler, VR breakdowns)
• Organise maintenance programme for building, facilities and equipment
• Manage Barn and Monzie Square maintenance
• Managing tenancy for No40 High Street
• Ensure that facilities for visitors are clean and tidy

Communications and IT:

• Answer emails to info@
• Social media posts

• Press Releases & marketing
• Answer telephone and visitor enquiries (general)
• Website maintenance and updates

Miscellaneous:

• Responding to customer complaints and feedback
• Supports media relationships as required
• Support Museum Accreditation (due every 5 years)
• Ensure that personal CPD is maintained
• Cover other staff duties in their absence (sickness & annual leave)
• Undertake other appropriate tasks as required

Person  Specification

Summary:

Candidates should have extensive experience of management in the heritage/culture sector or related field, including financial management and line-management of staff, with highly developed communication and organisation skills, and a flexible and creative approach to problem-solving.

Essential:

• Staff management, leadership, motivation and development including building an effective team
• Recruitment, management, retention and development of a volunteer team
• Business and organisational planning
• Financial management including budget setting
• Delivering projects or works programmes
• Devising and improving administrative/operational systems and procedures
• Working to a recognised quality standards framework
• Monitoring and interpreting data to inform audience development
• Site and facilities management and legislative compliance
• Familiarity with a CRM system
• Willingness to work flexibly as required

Desirable:

• Management of a heritage site, museum, visitor attraction or similar busy public-facing environment
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a related subject and/or degree in heritage, museum studies or related field
• Experience in partnership work and stakeholder management
• Understanding of Museum Accreditation
• Experience of Audience Development planning
• Experience in Marketing/PR
• Working in the not-for-profit sector
• Working to a board of Directors