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- Tasks: Lead the British Library, shaping its future and driving digital transformation.
- Company: The British Library, a global leader in knowledge and culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence national culture and access to vast resources.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on public access to knowledge and innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in complex organisations and strong advocacy skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The British Library is one of the world’s greatest research libraries and a global leader in knowledge, culture and learning. Home to more than 170 million items spanning manuscripts, books, digital collections, newspapers, sound and moving image, patents and the UK web archive, we are the custodian of the nation’s intellectual heritage and a major cultural institution serving millions of people each year.
We are now seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a national institution of global significance, shaping its future at a time of technological transformation, renewed ambition and evolving public expectations.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and effective operational management across a complex, multidisciplinary organisation of approximately 1,600 colleagues. You will drive forward our Knowledge Matters 2023–2030 strategy, ensuring the Library continues to open up its vast collection for research, inspiration and enjoyment. You will lead the modernisation of our services, strengthening digital capability, enhancing our infrastructure across St Pancras and Boston Spa, and supporting continued innovation in access, learning, culture and digital scholarship. You will oversee and steer the major expansion of the Library’s iconic London headquarters due to open in 2031.
You will represent the Library nationally and internationally, strengthening relationships with government, research partners, cultural institutions, donors, and the wider global library community, and strengthening our national and international profile through effective stakeholder engagement, advocacy and partnerships.
We are looking for someone who brings significant senior leadership experience at organisational scale, ideally in a complex public, cultural or knowledge‑based setting, alongside strong financial and operational management skills, a track record in digital transformation, and the ability to navigate an evolving information landscape. Excellent communication, advocacy and relationship‑building skills are essential, as well as a commitment to public purpose, access, research, learning and inclusion. Confidence working with diverse stakeholders, experience in leading change and managing risk, and a strong dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and the Library’s decarbonisation agenda will be key to success in this role.
The British Library values and celebrates diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our commitment to public purpose, inclusion and widening access to knowledge.
Chief Executive employer: BRITISH LIBRARY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH LIBRARY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help us tailor our responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and boost confidence. The more we practice, the more natural we’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows our appreciation and keeps us on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. The British Library is all about knowledge and culture, so make sure your application reflects an appreciation for these values. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with their mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Chief Executive, it's crucial to highlight your senior leadership experience. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage complex organisations and drive strategic initiatives. We want to see how you've made an impact!
Emphasise Digital Transformation: Given the focus on modernisation and digital capability, don’t forget to mention your experience with digital transformation. Share any relevant projects or initiatives you've led that showcase your ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing environment.
Be Authentic and Engaging: Your written application should reflect your personality and passion for the role. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm shine through! Remember, we’re looking for someone who can connect with diverse stakeholders, so make your application engaging and relatable.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH LIBRARY
✨Know the Library Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the British Library's mission, values, and current initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their Knowledge Matters strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Executive, your leadership skills are paramount. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Highlight your experience in digital transformation and operational management, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would strengthen relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach to advocacy and partnership building. Share examples of how you've navigated diverse stakeholder landscapes in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability in this area.
✨Commitment to Inclusion and Sustainability
The British Library values diversity and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This could include initiatives you've led or participated in that promote equality, diversity, and environmental responsibility.