Exhibitions Project Manager & Gallery Operations Manager

Exhibitions Project Manager & Gallery Operations Manager

Reports to: Exhibitions Manager

This is a full time, fixed term role (18 months) on Crick’s terms & conditions

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.

About the role

We are seeking a highly organised and collaborative Exhibitions Project Manager & Gallery Operations Manager to play a central role in delivering exceptional public-facing cultural experiences at the Francis Crick Institute. This is a unique hybrid role that combines the day-to-day operations of a busy gallery and exhibition café with project management support for an ambitious exhibitions programme.

In the gallery operations aspect of the role, you will ensure the space is welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all visitors, supporting a high-quality front-of-house experience. You will coordinate closely with internal teams to ensure the smooth running of daily activities, maintaining clear communication across stakeholders and supporting the effective delivery of services within the gallery and café. You will work closely with colleagues and partners, helping to align priorities and resolve operational challenges as they arise.

Alongside this, you will support the exhibitions programme through hands-on project management and administration. This includes coordinating schedules and programmes, supporting budget tracking, and producing key documentation such as meeting minutes, reports, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including senior leadership. You will also assist with contract administration, drafting and processing agreements with contractors, managing invoices, and maintaining accurate and accessible project records. Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are essential, as you will ensure critical information is available when needed and that projects progress efficiently through their key milestones.

We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in cultural production and public engagement, who is comfortable working in a front-facing environment and understands how to create spaces that are accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. You will bring a solid understanding of project management principles, with the ability to apply them flexibly within creative contexts. Experience working in agile or iterative creative environments will be valuable, as will the ability to navigate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. You will be a proactive problem solver, able to identify blockers, work collaboratively to resolve them, and keep projects moving forward while meeting fixed deadlines and key milestones.

What you will be doing

Exhibition project management

• Project manage the development and delivery of exhibitions through all stages, from scoping through to project initiation, design, installation, public use, and de-installation.
• Develop and manage project programmes, ensuring work packages are clearly defined, assigned and delivered.
• Manage calendars to coordinate project meetings and/or reviews with stakeholders.
• Create and circulate agendas for meetings and disseminate minutes/key notes and actions.
• Manage the exhibition budget, including forecasting, cost planning, and timely and accurate reporting.

Gallery operations

• Oversee day-to-day gallery and gallery host management, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience.

• Monitor exhibition stock and exhibits, gallery and café equipment, ensuring and inventories are up to date and any non-functional elements are repaired / replaced when necessary.
• Lead on exhibition and gallery storage management, conducting regular audits and rationalisation to ensure efficient organisation and/or responsible disposal of equipment and materials.

• Manage the gallery budget, including forecasting, cost planning, and timely and accurate reporting.
• Work with internal Crick operations teams to maintain and/or provide access to gallery spaces and operational systems.

About you

You will have:

• Demonstrable experience of project managing exhibitions in a cultural organisation (museum, gallery, heritage, arts, science or discovery centres) of any size *
• Demonstrable experience of use of standard project management processes, controls and documentation on any project *
• Demonstrable experience of fiscal management, covering budget management, financial tracking, procurement and cost control.
• Demonstrable experience of commissioning and working with a wide variety of creative contractors, such as designers, interactive developers and media producers. *
• Demonstrable knowledge or experience of visitor experience and visitor-facing operations. *
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

*Minimum criteria

Please see the full job description here.

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences.

We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected]

Find out more about life at the Crick.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.