Introduction to the role

You will manage a team of 8 Cartographic and GIS staff being responsible for their day to day operation, mid term priorities, and their long term strategic direction.

You will have final oversight of all divisional cartographic product making sure these maps and atlases are created as efficiently as possible, are fit for purpose, and their content adheres to divisional standards.

You will Chair the HarperCollins Geo Policy Committee, driving the agenda to make sure the company stays abreast of all Geo-political concerns so that everything is carefully considered and the company maintains its respected position of neutrality and fairness across all geo-political issues.  

You will work to increase the profile of the division’s cartography and geodata within the wider geo community and work with the Business Development team to explore new avenues for Cartographic and geodata sales whilst implementing any newly arising processes across the team.

Key tasks and accountabilities

• Create and continually update a plan to deliver the geospatial and associated content required to support the business activities of the division be they data, published product, or something else.

• Manage the Geoinformation team to deliver on this plan, ensuring each team member knows their priorities and has the skills and tools to work efficiently towards these objectives.

• Manage a range of external suppliers and freelancers to compliment the internal resources in delivering team objectives.

• Oversee all aspects of the Geo Policy Committee, arrange its membership, schedule and agenda its meetings, make sure pre-requisite work is undertaken ahead of meetings and actions rising at meetings are followed up in good order.

• Continually work to increase awareness of the cartographic output and geodata within the geo and cartographic communities as well as seeking opportunities in new areas.

Your first six months

• In your first six months you will assess all aspects for the Geo Information team from the personnel and team structure through working practices, to make sure the team is able to deliver on divisional priorities and is working as efficiently as possible.

• You will work on establishing a network within the geodata community to reconnect with potential customers and partners lost during COVID outbreak.

• You will gain an understanding of the publishing requirements for the Geo Information team and suggest ways of improving the service to this internal customer.

• You will undertake occasional technical or editorial tasks as required to fill gaps within the Geo Information team, whilst sharing any knowledge you have of these tasks with the wider team.

Experience required

• You will be a confident manager able to inspire and promote ideas within a team containing many experienced members.

• You will have a sound understanding of maps and atlases and will be experienced in either their creation or their promotion, sales and marketing.

• You will have experience in the wider geo community, understand the major players, associations, and be able to speak the language of cartography and or geodata.

• You will have a working knowledge and be able to demonstrate skill in one or more of these key areas: ArcGIS, Oracle, Cartographic Editorial work, Cartographic Design, Geographical Business Development.

• You will be adept and managing relationships and building networks.

Skills required

• You will be an effective manager, not shy at taking difficult decisions to achieve what is best for the team and company.

• You will be able to manage tight budgets, be resourceful and adaptable in your own work and in thinking about ways your team can work.

• You will be a good communicator able to talk happily with direct reports, senior management and external customers and suppliers.

• You will have a keen interest in global geography and a passion for creating authoritative digital geographic content that accurately reflect the world we live in today.

• You will be a logical thinker with ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model (2+ days in the office)

• 26 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)

• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work and Pride at HC

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Charitable donation matching and volunteering day

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Free e-books and audiobooks, newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

• Onsite prayer room

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition Manager at stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.