Director of Collections and Research / Cyfarwyddwr Casgliadau ac Ymchwil

About the Open Call

Amgueddfa Cymru is one of the UK’s leading cultural institutions, a family of seven national museums and one collections centre, home to over five million objects that tell the story of Wales and connect with global histories. With a clear purpose to inspire learning and enjoyment for everyone through the national collection of Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru aims to be a living museum and national collection, unique in the world – showcasing the skills, traditions and places of Wales’ past, present and future, inspiring everyone and creating a living legacy for generations to come. The museum is now at a landmark moment in its history, as the organisation prepares to celebrate 100 years of inspiring and educating all who visit the sites and to set about re-imagining Amgueddfa Cymru for the next 100 years. This new strategy is ambitious, outward-looking, and places the national collections at the heart of everything they do. Rooted in the Welsh communities, this new and exciting strategy also includes the major redevelopment of the National Slate Museum in Llanberis, due to reopen in 2027, and a major redevelopment of the National Museum in Cardiff. The Director of Collections and Research will play a central role in this transformation, leading a division of around 200 colleagues across collections, research, exhibitions, and conservation. Reporting to the Chief Executive, and working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director will provide intellectual, strategic, and compassionate leadership to ensure the care, accessibility, and interpretation of the national collections. They will shape and deliver an ambitious exhibitions strategy, champion research excellence, and act as a visible ambassador for Amgueddfa Cymru across Wales and internationally.

What is Offered

This is a truly rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of Wales’s national collections, ensuring they inspire and engage audiences at home and around the world. The role offers intellectual, strategic, and compassionate leadership, ensuring the care, accessibility, and interpretation of national collections, and the chance to shape and deliver an ambitious exhibitions strategy.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of collections care and management, and a track record of delivering complex projects with imagination and integrity. They will be an inspiring manager, able to nurture talent and foster collaboration, and represent Amgueddfa Cymru confidently on the national and international stage. A strategic thinker with excellent communication skills, they will combine academic rigour with creativity, inclusion, and a commitment to the highest standards of public service. The ability to speak Welsh on appointment is desirable; if not, a commitment to complete a Sylfaen (foundation) course within the first year and reach Uwch (higher) level within a mutually agreed timescale is required.

How to Apply

For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference EBWGA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on 30th September 2025. You are welcome to apply in Welsh, your application will not be treated less favourably.