HISTORIC SHIPS MANAGER

Salary (Grade 7): £40,541 - £47,249 (dependent upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - permanent contract
Location: National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with occasional travel to other sites and the opportunity for hybrid working (a combination of working onsite and from home).
Hands-on Heritage. Frontline Conservation. National Impact.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) tells the extraordinary story of the Royal Navy-its global influence, rich heritage, and continuing relevance today. As a national museum with sites across the UK, we care for one of the world’s most significant maritime collections and tell stories that connect Navy to Nation, past to present.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) is seeking an experienced, proactive and hands-on conservation professional to take the lead in delivering the operational care of one of the most significant historic ship fleets in the world.
This is a great opportunity to join the team.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work at the heart of some of the UK’s most iconic heritage vessels - including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, HMS Caroline, HMS M.33, HMS Alliance and HMS Trincomalee.
As Historic Ships Manager, you will lead the day-to-day planning and delivery of conservation and maintenance activity across our fleet. Every day will bring new challenges - from coordinating emergency repairs and managing complex conservation logistics, to planning long-term preservation strategies that ensure these historic ships remain accessible and inspiring for future generations.
You’ll also play a key role in supporting the team responsible for delivering HMS Victory: The Big Repair - providing input and coordination on associated conservation activity, while ensuring alignment with wider ship care and operational standards. This role is not responsible for delivering the project but will be integral to its success.
Working with talented internal teams and trusted contractors, you’ll ensure that all work is carried out to the highest professional and safety standards - while balancing the operational needs of a working visitor environment. You’ll also help shape how the Museum tells these ships’ stories to the public and represent NMRN’s work to the wider heritage sector.

WHAT YOU CAN BRING TO THE ROLE:

You will have a passion for maritime heritage and public engagement with:

• A track record in delivering major conservation and maintenance projects for historic ships or similar heritage assets.
• Strong leadership and people management skills - able to inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in health and safety, compliance, and managing complex contractor relationships.
• Experience working within a heritage organisation or shipyard environment.
• A collaborative and practical mindset, with excellent communication skills.