Team Leader - Collections

Are you an experienced museum collection professional ready to take on a new challenge?

Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team.

With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

We are looking for a Team Leader – Collections to join our team and support the delivery of exceptional museum and heritage services in Murihiku Southland.

This new role will build and lead a dedicated team of collection professionals responsible for ensuring high-quality, care, management and access to the principal art and heritage collection of the Southern region.

You will also support the delivery of Te Unua Museum of Southland – a new, landmark cultural destination currently under development in Waihopai Invercargill; ensure the establishment and continuity of services relating to heritage collections for our communities now, and in to the future.

What you will do :

Lead the Museum and Heritage Services Collections team, based at Te Pataka Taoka Southern Regional Collections Facility.

Oversee the care, management, and development of arts, culture and heritage collections.

Enable accessibility of collections through exhibitions, programmes, and digital platforms.

Managing collection policies, procedures, risk mitigation, and disaster recovery planning.

Support Te Unua Museum of Southland project delivery.

Strategic planning for the delivery of collection activities and services.

Build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with Mana Whenua to ensure high quality care for taoka Maori

Work closely with stakeholders, including lenders, researchers, other collecting and exhibiting organisations, partner collection governance entities

What you will bring :

Bachelor's degree in Arts, Sciences or a relevant field, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Museum and Heritage Studies (or equivalent experience).

5 years' minimum experience in a museum, gallery or heritage organisation, preferably in a Collections focused role

Proven leadership and project management experience.

Strong understanding of collection management, registration, and conservation practices in a museum setting, including ethics and relevant legislation

Experience working with mana whenua, preferably in a museum environment.

A strong understanding of digital collections management and advanced skills in Vernon Collection Management Software or equivalent.

NZ Driver's Licence and Firearms Licence (or ability to obtain).

What we offer :

Career progression and training / development opportunities

Positive focus of employee health and well-being :

Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc

Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes

Access to sick leave from day one of employment

Appointment time leave :

Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihopai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland.

We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro.

Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere.

There's outstanding nature reserves, Oreti Beach and the Waihopai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat!

The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work.

Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at

Please note : applications submitted via SEEK will not be received.

Apply online at Jobs – Invercargill City Council.

Applications close

23 November

Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.

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