Exhibitions Technician

What It's Like to Work Here

At IWM, we're one of the world's leading authorities on conflict and its impact on people's lives, from 1914 through to the present day and beyond. Through our collections, exhibitions and public programmes, we share powerful personal stories that inspire reflection, challenge perceptions and deepen understanding of the causes and consequences of war. As a Fee Paid Exhibitions Technician, you'll play an important role in bringing these stories to life. Working within our Exhibitions Workshop team, you'll help build, install and maintain the exhibitions and gallery spaces that enable visitors to engage with our collections in meaningful and memorable ways. You'll join a collaborative team of skilled professionals who are passionate about creating high-quality museum experiences across IWM's branches.

Why This Role Matters

The Fee Paid Exhibitions Technician plays a key role in ensuring that IWM's exhibitions are delivered to the highest possible standards. Through skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to safety, you'll help create exhibition environments that engage audiences and support IWM's mission to transform the way people think about conflict. Your work will directly contribute to the construction, installation, maintenance and dismantling of temporary exhibitions, as well as the upkeep of permanent galleries. By helping maintain high-quality public spaces and supporting exhibition projects across the organisation, you'll ensure that visitors continue to have exceptional experiences at IWM.

What You'll Be Doing

• Construct exhibition elements including wall structures, display cases, cladding, panels, plinths and exhibition furniture from design plans and briefs.
• Carry out decorating, finishing and making-good works to gallery spaces and exhibition structures.
• Support the installation and positioning of audiovisual equipment within exhibitions and galleries.
• Assist with the installation, maintenance and dismantling of temporary exhibitions across IWM sites.
• Support the ongoing maintenance and repair of permanent galleries and exhibition spaces.
• Move display cases, exhibition materials, props and equipment across IWM locations as required.
• Operate a range of workshop machinery, hand tools and woodworking equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety within the workshop and gallery environments.
• Keep workshop and work areas clean, organised and compliant with safety regulations.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and contractors to deliver exhibition projects on time and to budget.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and identify opportunities to enhance working practices.
• Travel to other IWM branches across the UK when required to support exhibition activity.

What We're Looking For

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• GCSEs (Grade A-C/Level 4 or equivalent) and/or a relevant City & Guilds qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrable workshop experience, ideally gained within a museum, gallery, exhibition or similar environment.
• Strong carpentry and woodworking skills, including experience in furniture making, exhibition building or related trades.
• Experience of decorating, filling, plastering, painting and general finishing work.
• Proven ability to operate a range of workshop machinery and hand tools safely and effectively.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email and internet applications.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and contractors.
• A strong commitment to health and safety and safe working practices.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• A customer-focused attitude with a commitment to delivering high-quality work and service.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

How You'll Work

This is a casual, fee-paid position working across IWM locations as required. You'll work closely with the Exhibitions Workshop team, exhibition designers, curators and colleagues from across the organisation to support a varied programme of exhibition projects and gallery maintenance activities. The role combines workshop-based fabrication with hands-on gallery installation work, offering a varied environment where you'll apply practical skills, creativity and problem-solving to a wide range of projects. Flexibility will be important, as some travel to other IWM sites may be required.

What Success Looks Like (First 6-12 Months)

• Become a trusted and reliable member of the Exhibitions Workshop team.
• Confidently construct and install exhibition structures to agreed specifications and quality standards.
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of workshop equipment, machinery and tools.
• Successfully support exhibition installations and dismantles across IWM sites.
• Maintain galleries and exhibition spaces to a consistently high standard.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Contribute to the efficient delivery of exhibitions while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Consistently demonstrate IWM's values of professionalism, collaboration, respect and excellent customer service.
• Identify practical improvements that enhance workshop processes, safety standards and exhibition delivery.

Additional Role Information

• The role may require travel between IWM sites across the UK.
• A full DBS check will be undertaken for successful candidates.
• IWM is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds.

For a full list of duties and the person specification (which your application will be marked against), please view the Job Description.