Sandton: ART & HERITAGE MANAGER (Permanent | Nedbank | South Africa)

About the Role

The Art & Heritage Manager will lead and oversee the management, preservation, and strategic development of Nedbank’s art and heritage assets, ensuring full compliance with South African heritage legislation and best practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Heritage & Collections Management: Oversee the end-to-end management of Nedbank’s heritage and archival collections, ensuring preservation in line with international best practice.
• Implement and maintain collections management systems, including accessioning, cataloguing, and documentation.
• Ensure preventative conservation measures are in place to protect artefacts, archives, and artworks.
• Research, Curation & Institutional Storytelling: Drive research initiatives and curatorial outputs to enhance the visibility and relevance of Nedbank’s heritage portfolio.
• Translate archival and heritage material into meaningful narratives that support the organisation’s brand and legacy.

• Governance, Compliance & Risk: Ensure full compliance with:
• National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999)
• South African Heritage Resources Agency guidelines
• International charters (Burra Charter, Venice Charter)

• Art Collection Oversight: Oversee the management and curation of Nedbank’s art collection, ensuring proper conservation and care.
• Strategic acquisitions and deaccessioning alignment to the organisation’s cultural and transformation objectives.
• Manage the Art Specialist and provide direction on exhibitions, placements, and collection growth.

• Stakeholder & Advisory Role: Act as a trusted advisor to business units and leadership on heritage, conservation, and art matters.
• Provide input on heritage-related aspects of buildings, sites, and corporate assets.
• Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including heritage bodies, museums, and academic institutions.

• Operational & Financial Management: Manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation.
• Oversee financial planning and reporting related to heritage and art portfolios.
• Ensure effective systems, controls, and operational processes are in place.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Heritage Studies / History or Archaeology Museum Studies / Archival Science

Qualifications

• Honours or Postgraduate qualification in a related field (preferred)

Professional Memberships

• South African Museums Association
• Association of Professional Heritage Practitioners
• South African Society of Archivists (professional memberships advantageous)

Experience

• 3–6 years’ experience in:
• Heritage management
• Archives / collections management
• Museum or institutional environments

Experience

• 1–2 years’ experience in a leadership or management capacity

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of: Archival and museological practices, Preventative conservation and stabilisation techniques, Heritage legislation and compliance frameworks
• Working knowledge of: Budgeting and financial management, Project management

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and quality orientation
• Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
• High level of initiative and accountability
• Strong networking and relationship-building capability
• Courage to challenge and uphold governance standards