Introduction

Launched in 1824, HMS Unicorn is the third oldest ship in the world still afloat and Scotland's only surviving wooden warship. Now an Accredited Museum in Dundee's City Quay, visitors can explore four decks that offer a unique glimpse into 19th century naval life.

Our mission is to deliver a world-class museum experience while safeguarding HMS Unicorn's future and making our collections accessible to all. We aim to inspire visitors and staff alike, providing lifelong learning and engagement opportunities for our local communities and beyond.

The Unicorn Preservation Society has recently secured nearly £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to advance Project Safe Haven - our ambitious conservation initiative to relocate HMS Unicorn to Dundee's East Graving Dock. This critical move will ensure the long-term preservation of this irreplaceable maritime treasure while creating a purpose-built visitor centre that will transform Dundee's historic waterfront and enhance community engagement. This role represents an exciting opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment in HMS Unicorn's 200-year history.

Main Purpose of Role

The Operations Manager holds overall responsibility for the operational management of HMS Unicorn and the shore-based office in Dundee City Centre. This includes management of visitor services, facilities maintenance, health and safety compliance, and supervision of the Duty Manager system. The role will be central to implementing operational procedures to support the organisation's growth through Project Safe Haven.

As the guardian of the physical vessel, the Operations Manager will work closely with the Project Safe Haven team to ensure the development of facilities in the new location, while maintaining the integrity and visitor experience of the existing ship. They will collaborate closely with the Heritage & Learning Manager to deliver excellent visitor experiences.

Launched in 1824, HMS Unicorn is the third oldest ship in the world still afloat and Scotland's only surviving wooden warship. Now an Accredited Museum in Dundee's City Quay, visitors can explore four decks that offer a unique glimpse into 19th century naval life.

Our mission is to deliver a world-class museum experience while safeguarding HMS Unicorn's future and making our collections accessible to all. We aim to inspire visitors and staff alike, providing lifelong learning and engagement opportunities for our local communities and beyond.

The Unicorn Preservation Society has recently secured nearly £1 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to advance Project Safe Haven - our ambitious conservation initiative to relocate HMS Unicorn to Dundee's East Graving Dock. This critical move will ensure the long-term preservation of this irreplaceable maritime treasure while creating a purpose-built visitor centre that will transform Dundee's historic waterfront and enhance community engagement.

This role is made possible through National Lottery Heritage Fund support and represents an exciting opportunity to join our team at a pivotal moment in HMS Unicorn's 200-year history.

Main Purpose of Role

The Heritage & Learning Manager is the senior manager responsible for all heritage, collections, learning and engagement activities at HMS Unicorn, serving as the authoritative voice on the historic vessel and its collections during this transformative period for the organisation, as well as the public face of the Unicorn Preservation Society's museum and educational programmes.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Operations Manager, the postholder will have ultimate responsibility for HMS Unicorn's heritage and learning activities, ensuring the delivery of excellent visitor experiences through high-quality exhibitions, collections management, education programmes, and community engagement. As a key member of the senior management team, this role is vital to maintaining Museum Accreditation standards and driving the heritage aspects of the organisation's transition from a traditional museum to an innovative visitor experience through Project Safe Haven.

The post holder will be the primary authority on the historic vessel, providing expert guidance on what can and cannot be altered during the conservation process, documenting changes to the ship, interpreting decay and damage to communicate the urgency of the conservation programme, and ensuring the rich 200-year history of HMS Unicorn is preserved and effectively communicated throughout Project Safe Haven.

The postholder will have direct management of learning, engagement and museum staff, and indirect responsibility for volunteers, interns and apprentices. They will represent the CEO, the Unicorn Preservation Society and Trustees at key meetings and events, carrying the requisite responsibility and authority to act as the organisation's heritage ambassador.