Introduction to the role

The HarperCollins Archive Service is responsible for the preservation of the records and history of the company, from its beginnings as William Collins in 1819 to the present day. We provide both a deposit and retrieval service for all Company departments across the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to work with the records of a 200-year-old business and help ensure its longevity. Our archive holds authors' correspondence, editorial records, design files, photographs, marketing materials and original artwork, all of which document the life and work of the publisher and its authors. We are seeking an experienced archive manager to lead day-to-day operations, develop services and support colleagues across the business.

Core responsibilities

·       General management of the HarperCollins Archive Service

o   Manage the deposit and retrieval of records for all HC employees

o   Responsible for the archive enquiry service including internal and external enquiries

o   Support any internal projects including marketing, editorial and anniversaries etc.

o   Develop and implement access and outreach strategies: exhibitions, displays, events and social media

o   Line-manage archive staff: set work plans, conduct performance reviews and enable professional development

o   Implement appraisal and weeding of any new collections in line with archive policy

o   Maintain and update policies and procedures: collections management, disaster recovery, loans, access, etc.

o   Undertake preservation and conservation activities: environmental monitoring, rehousing, basic cleaning, etc.

o   Keep accurate records of activities and produce regular reports for line manager

Person Specification

·       Essential

o   Recognised post-graduate qualification in Archive & Records Management or equivalent experience

o   Several years working within an Archival setting

o   Experience of arrangement and description to professional standards

o   Experience of managing complex archive cataloguing projects and collections to agreed timescales

o   Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g. copyright and data protection) and standards governing archive use and management, and awareness of how that pertains to a publishing archive

o   Solid experience and knowledge of appraisals and weeding of collections

o   Supervisory/managerial experience, preferably in an archival setting

o   Ability to build strong working relationships

o   Strong communication skills

o   Project management skills

o   Proven problem-solving mindset and solution focused

o   Knowledge of archival software and other IT programs

o   Self-motivated and pro-active

o   Attention to detail

o   Manual handling skills

·       Desirable

o   General conservation experience

o   Experience of working in a business archive

o   Knowledge of digitisation, born-digital archiving and digital preservation principles and tools

The company

Our mission at HarperCollins is to harness the power of great publishing and to amplify it through world class marketing, global strength, and relentless innovation. We are all working towards the same goal, and we do it guided by what matters most to us. The culture at HarperCollins is defined by our six values, which inform our everyday actions and the way we behave. From Finance to Editorial, our values shape the way we work.

Our values tell a STORY…

Stories - We believe in the power of great publishing. From fiction, children’s and non-fiction to education and reference, our authors and content are at the heart of everything we do

Team - We help each other, work collaboratively, behave with integrity and always strive to communicate in a timely, open, honest and fair manner.

Out as well as in - We aim to lead the industry by looking out as well as in. Through observation of the marketplace, the consumer and the competitive environment we gain a better understanding of our business.

Resourcefulness - We support smart risk-takers and innovators, learning from experience without blame and being both curious and willing to change

You - We embrace difference, champion diversity of thought and being. We treat each other with respect and enjoy what we do.

How to apply

Please submit:

o   A CV

o   A concise cover letter (max 1—2 pages) explaining your suitability for the role, leadership experience and your availability

o   Contact details for two referees (we will only contact referees after interview)

For any queries relating to this role, please contact Suzanne Dott, People Advisor via email at suzanne.dott@harpercollins.co.uk