Collections Advice Manager

City of London; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A major cultural institution in Greater London is looking for a Collections Advice Manager to lead their research services and drive transformation across their archives. The role includes guiding a team, improving public engagement, and collaborating with diverse partners. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing public-facing services and a passion for making history accessible. Benefits include working with unique collections and being part of significant change initiatives.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Creative and supportive team environment

Opportunity to shape services

Qualifications

• Experience managing public-facing services in archives, libraries, or museums.
• Confident leader skilled in motivating teams through changes.
• Passionate about public engagement and audience development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Collections Advice team delivering research services.
• Coordinate improvements to public spaces and services.
• Grow audiences using creativity and accessibility initiatives.

Skills

Managing public-facing services

Leadership

Public engagement

Data analysis

Collaboration

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and membershipsrequiredhave also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance

Salary:£59,060 - £66,670
Contractual Hours:35 hours per week
Basis:Permanent
Workplace category:Workplace Plus
Attachments: Job Information Pack

Open London’s History to the World

Are you passionate about archives, public engagement, and service innovation? Do you want to shape the future of one of the UK’s most significant cultural institutions? The London Archives is seeking a dynamic Collections Advice Manager to lead our front-of-house research services and deliver an ambitious programme of service and space transformation across The London Archives and Guildhall Library.

About The London Archives

Part of the City of London Corporation, The London Archives is the capital’s free public archive, preserving and sharing the stories of Londoners from 1067 to today. We care for millions of manuscripts, maps, photographs, and printed works, and we welcome everyone — from seasoned researchers to first-time visitors. Our mission is to preserve and share London’s history for all to discover and enjoy, and our vision is to open London’s history to the world. We are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and making history accessible to ever more diverse audiences.

The Role

As Collections Advice Manager, you will:

• Lead and inspire the Collections Advice team, delivering excellent research services on-site and remotely.
• Champion transformation by coordinating improvements to public spaces and services, ensuring they are vibrant, welcoming andfuture-ready.
• Grow audiences and engagement by using insight and creativity to attract and support new and existing users, with accessibility and inclusion at the core.
• Design and deliver training in customer service and public engagement, equipping teams to thrive through change.
• Collaborate with partners across the City of London Corporation and beyond to deliver innovative programmes,eventsand outreach.
• Support strategic priorities including the City’s Cultural Strategy, Climate ActionStrategyand long-term accommodation planning.
• Promote services and collections by working with communications colleagues to increase awareness and engagement across London and beyond.
• Monitor service performance (e.g., feedback, KPIs and enquiry trends) and drive continuous improvement.

About You

We’relooking for someone who:

• Has experience managing public-facing services in archives, libraries, museums, or similar settings.
• Is a confident leader, able to motivate teams through change and foster a culture of learning and development.
• Is passionate about public engagement, audience development, and making history accessible to all.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Is data-savvy, creative, and solutions-focused, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

• Be at the heart of London’s history – work with unique collections and help shape a world-class archive and library service.
• Lead real change – play a key role in an ambitious transformation programme, improving our spaces and services for the future.
• Inspire and be inspired – join a creative, supportive team committed to innovation,inclusionand excellent public service.
• Enjoy excellent benefitsas part of the City of London Corporation.

Ready to help open London’s history to the world?

Apply now and be part of our transformation journey!

Find out more about Guildhall Library, our reference library in the heart of the City:

Closing date: 12 noon on 16th January 2026

To apply online please click the Apply online button below.

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OOTC1042 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.

The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.