At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure daily publication of essential House of Commons documents.
- Company: Join the House of Commons, a vital part of the UK's democratic system with over 3,000 dedicated staff.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of democracy, making a real impact while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in publishing systems, team management, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; attend virtual info sessions to learn more about the role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day-to-day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.
Staff Benefits
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
- Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Access to training and development.
- Flexible working.
- Interest-free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.
Introduction
The Vote Office publishes business-critical Parliamentary documents, as well as sourcing, supplying and advising Members and others on the publications they need to fulfil their duties. Material we publish is relied upon by MPs doing their work holding the Government to account, debating the issues of the day, passing and scrutinising laws and representing their constituents.
The Role
As Publishing Lead (Operations), you will manage a team of publishing production specialists to ensure no-fail publication of the House of Commons' business papers each morning. You will plan resources, oversee daily production schedules, troubleshoot operational challenges, and collaborate with colleagues across the House to maintain the high standards required in this unique environment. You will also play a key role in service development, staff leadership, and continuous improvement, ensuring that publishing operations remain resilient, efficient and responsive to the evolving needs of Parliament.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
- In-depth, practical experience of publishing systems and workflows in a high-profile, deadline-driven environment, and the ability to collaborate with digital and technical specialists.
- Substantial experience of managing teams under pressure, with a focus on excellent customer service.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work effectively with colleagues at all levels and across multiple disciplines.
Next Steps and Additional Information
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 2-3 in the Job Description. More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description and Additional Information document attached. If you move through all the stages, the process will likely have three steps:
- Submitting an application
- A Microsoft Teams interview
- A second in-person interview which may include a presentation or test
Due to the current sitting pattern of the House, this role does not work standard business hours: production teams work until around five hours after the rise of the House. A limited level of hybrid working is available for this role. More information about the House's current sitting pattern can be found in the Information Sheet.
Information Session
To help candidates understand the role, we will be hosting two virtual information sessions to answer your questions. The sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams. Please see the slots available below:
Dates & Times
- 23rd June 6.30-7.30 pm.
- 26th June 1-2 pm
To attend one of the information sessions please register here.
Publishing Lead (Operations) employer: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Contact Detail:
HOUSE OF COMMONS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Publishing Lead (Operations)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to attend the virtual information sessions hosted by the House of Commons. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and gain insights about the role and the team you'll be working with, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the publishing systems and workflows used in high-pressure environments. Research current trends and challenges in parliamentary publishing to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to tackle operational challenges during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the publishing and parliamentary sectors. Engaging with individuals who have experience in similar roles can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the possibility of a presentation or test during the second interview. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and operational strategies in a way that aligns with the House of Commons' mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Publishing Lead (Operations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Publishing Lead (Operations) position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with their needs.
Evidence Against Criteria: When writing your application, ensure you provide clear evidence against criteria 2-3 as mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in publishing systems and team management. Emphasise your ability to work under pressure and deliver excellent customer service, as these are key aspects of the role.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common interview questions related to team management and publishing operations. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and collaboration with colleagues across different disciplines.
How to prepare for a job interview at HOUSE OF COMMONS
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the Publishing Lead (Operations) role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around managing production schedules and team leadership. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Team Management Skills
Given the emphasis on managing teams under pressure, prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities. Discuss specific situations where you've successfully led a team through tight deadlines or operational challenges, highlighting your focus on customer service.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves working with publishing systems and workflows, be ready to discuss your technical expertise. Brush up on relevant software and processes, and think about how you've collaborated with digital specialists in the past.
✨Engage in the Information Sessions
Take advantage of the virtual information sessions offered by the House of Commons. These are great opportunities to ask questions and gain insights into the role and the organisation's culture, which can help you tailor your responses during the interview.