Conservator; Textiles

Join to apply for the Conservator (Textiles) role at The University of Manchester
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The Whitworth is one of the UK’s leading university art galleries. It holds pre‑eminent collections of historic, modern, and contemporary art, textiles and wallpapers, which are internationally renowned and designated as having national importance. The Conservator (Textiles) is responsible for the physical well‑being of all textile‑based material across these collections, including post‑Pharaonic textiles from Egypt, European textiles and vestments from the 15th to 18th centuries, Mediterranean and Islamic embroideries from the 17th to 19th centuries, work by William Morris and other Arts & Crafts designers, 20th‑century British furnishing textiles, and contemporary art textiles.

The role works collaboratively with conservation, collection care, and curatorial colleagues, as well as freelance conservators and technicians, aiming to preserve and increase public access to our collections through exhibitions, handling and public engagement activities, research and study visits, loan programmes, and national and international touring projects.

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

• Higher Education

Name:
Sarah Potter

Email: s

Email:
People.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please note that we will not be able to respond to questions about the role over the festive break, from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026.