Head of Archives and Library
Head of Archives and Library
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Job Description
Starting salary:57996
Contract type:Permanent
Grade:6
Location:John Sinclair House (with hybrid working )
Working Hours:Monday - Friday 35 hours per week
Interviews:To be held in person at John Sinclair House on Wednesday 3 September 2025
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of dedicated professionals who manage care for and provide access to one of Scotlands National Collections. With physical archives dating from the 17th century through to the most recent digital archives and an extensive reference library it is a remarkable collection focused on the entirety of the historic environment.
For more information about the post and information about the team please access the full job descriptionHead of Archives and Libraryfor this post. Please note that if you dont have Office 365 installed on your device this can be opened using your browser.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role
- Lead the Archives and Library Department with specific responsibility for its strategic direction and operational delivery. This includes the development of the archive its long-term preservation and security and the delivery of a high- quality public enquiry service.
- Management of a specialist team of staff. This includes providing strong leadership to support a good working environment and professional development.
- Represent HES at a senior level identifying and engaging with stakeholders and external partners to develop the archive and information services collaborative projects and to work together to ensure archives identified as at risk are secured for the future in an appropriate location.
- Provide advice and expert knowledge to support decision making across HES.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with teams across HES
- Develop outreach activities and research initiatives to increase the understanding of the archive and its use.
- Develop and implement archive policies and maintain good practices and standards across the department making sure that there is a culture of continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with other relevant bodies such as other UK heritage bodies
- Budgetary management ensuring compliance with HES governance procedures.
- Identification and management of risks.
- Contribute to development of corporate systems and performance which delivers best practice value for money and continued business improvement for the delivery of the HES Corporate Plan.
- Other duties allocated by the CEO including deputizing when required and representation of HES on external committees.
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1200 words) using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life home life education or volunteer experience.Please read ourCV and Cover Letter Guidancefirst before completing as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential:
Established professional with proven track record and experience of working in the archive sector in a senior management capacity
Expertise in the management of major archival collections (physical and digital) providing strategic direction operational delivery policy development in all areas of functional activity (archive development cataloguing digitisation conservation and public access etc)
Staff leadership and management skills including performance and attendance management; motivating and developing individuals and teams; and promotion of health and safety and wellbeing.
Detailed knowledge of the overall current context for the historic environment and archives in Scotland and the UK
Knowledge of and expertise from implementation of standards relating to the historic environment or archives
Knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework relating to information and archives management across the UK
Experience of representing an organisation on external boards committees or working groups which delivered tangible and successful outcomes
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills you must be a confident and persuasive communicator and good team player
Demonstrable experience of working with other organisations and stakeholders to build and develop constructive relationships and partnerships to deliver tangible and beneficial outcomes
Research and analytical skills including monitoring processes and introducing improvements and efficiencies
Financial and risk management experience
An SCQF 10 or 11 in a relevant subject (e.g. history Scottish History archaeology architectural history) or a related field or relevant experience
Postgraduate qualification in Archives and Records management or similar
Find out more aboutdesirableskills and experience in our full job description Head of Archives and Library.
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age race gender or gender identity religious beliefs marital status sexual orientation disability or support of our Gaelic Language Plan we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format please reach out to us via email ator call our Head Office at 0 and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online please read our How to Apply followed by Apply Now button to begin your application.
*Due to site maintenance please note that we are currently experiencing problems with issuing notification emails through our recruitment platform. If you have not received notification that your application has been received please email We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this.*
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
