Deputy Head of Archives and Libraries na Cultural Assets

Starting salary: £48,448

Contract type: Permanent
Grade: 5
Location: John Sinclair House, Edinburgh
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person at John Sinclair House, Edinburgh on Week Commencing 10 November 2025

This is an exciting opportunity to manage a team of dedicated professionals who manage, care for and provide access to one of Scotland’s National Collections. With physical archives dating from the 17^th century through to the most recent digital archives, and extensive library collections, it is a remarkable collection focussed on the entirety of the historic environment.

For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description for this post. Please note that if you don't 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

• Leadership and management of the Archives, Digital Repository, Conservation, Acquisitions and Loans teams, and resources.
• As part of the Archives Department management team, contribute to the development and implementation of a strategic plan. Lead on the delivery of acquisitions, archives development, cataloguing, digital repository and conservation.
• Maintenance and development of a quality archive catalogue and archive management information (acquisitions, disposals, movement and location control data etc.) which meets our professional needs and audience requirements.
• Managing and monitoring projects, including developing the collection through acquisitions; increasing public access through digitisation, cataloguing and content enhancement projects; and caring for the archives through preservation activities, incident preparedness and accommodation development.
• Maintenance and development of professional standards required for Archives Accreditation Service and Core Trust Seal certification.
• Contribute to the development of research, exhibition, promotional articles and publications.
• External liaison and partnership development.
• Liaison with other Team Leaders within the Directorate and contribution to delivery of the Directorate business plan in support of the organisation’s strategic business objectives. 
• Other duties as delegated by the Head of Archives and Libraries including deputising when required.

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 1,200 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 these criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first 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. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the current context surrounding the historic environment and archives in Scotland and the UK, alongside proven expertise in implementing relevant standards within these sectors.
• 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.
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills, including process monitoring and the delivery of improvements and efficiencies, combined with experience in financial and risk management.
• 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 about desirable skills and experience in our full job description

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 neurodiversity. In 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 at [email protected] or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 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.