House and Collections Manager

House and Collections Manager

Wing, Buckinghamshire

This is an incredible, wide-ranging House and Collections Manager role, is integral to curating the beauty of the historic house and its superb collection of art and porcelain. The successful applicant will be a people person with a passion for history and conservation who will be responsible for managing a small team who are passionate about the house.

About us:

We are the Ascott Estate, a 16th century former hunting box filled with exquisite art and surrounded by extensive gardens, woods, a cricket ground, tearoom, and other properties. A year-round calendar of seasonal events, cricket matches, and stunning views and walks ensures a constant flow of visitors of all ages enjoying the beautiful ambiance.

So, no ordinary House and Collections Manager role as you will have gathered. We need an individual who is passionate about managing the collections in the house and overseeing the care they receive. Working closely and collaboratively with the family, curators, conservators, and the National Trust whilst managing and motivating the house team, volunteers. and stewards to ensure that the house delivers an engaging visitor experience to a wide range of audiences and preserves the spirit of the place.

In particular:

·         You will develop plans to protect and maintain the house and collection to the highest professional curatorial and conservation standards.

·         You will be responsible for collections management systems and information systems.

·         You will set the strategic direction of visitor engagement.

·         You will identify and manage specific risks to the house and collection and ensure that your team comply with procedures to manage risks.

·         You will take the lead role in emergency planning in association with other members of the property team and the emergency services.

·         You will undertake and commission research to increase the Estate’s understanding of the property, its people, its collection and its conservation. 

Essential Requirements: 

·         Experience in a comparable environment, preferably on another Estate, or where you’re used to managing collections.

·         Degree in conservation, art history or another relevant field or equivalent.

·         A strong familiarity with museum accreditation standards

·         Knowledge of health and safety, compliance, and emergency procedures relevant to historic buildings and collections

We pay a very generous 10% into your pension. 25 day’s holidays plus bank holidays completes the picture.

If you are interested, then we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV with covering letter, telling us why you should be the next House and Collections Manager at Ascott. 

Interviews will be held the week commencing 27th October 2025, so please ensure you are available to attend. 

Closing Date: Sunday 19th October 2025