The Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford is the largest university library system in the United Kingdom and one of the most highly regarded library systems in the world. It includes the principal University library – the Bodleian Library – which has been a legal deposit library for 400 years; as well as 27 libraries across Oxford including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries.

Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, over 80,000 e-journals and outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera. Members of the public can explore the collections via the Bodleian’s online image portal at digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk or by visiting the exhibition galleries in the Bodleian’s Weston Library.

The Bodleian Libraries are a significant visitor attraction in Oxford and the U.K, being at the very heart of the University and the ancient City of Oxford. Visitors are able to tour the medieval site, and the beautiful historic venues are well utilised for corporate events and for filming. There is a renowned publishing endeavour, publishing in excess of 25 titles a year, an established commercial imaging studio and two catering outlets near the exhibition spaces.  Pre-pandemic the Bodleian’s commercial income was circa £5m per year with potential for further growth.

The Role

To provide leadership and management for the group of Bodleian Libraries income generating areas known as Bodleian Enterprises.

The key aims of the role are, firstly, to trade profitably, maximising the commercial potential of the revenue streams available to Bodleian Enterprises: Publishing, Retail, Hire, Tours, Imaging Services, Catering, Brand Licensing and Rights. Secondly, to combine those activities with an awareness of the broader objectives of The Bodleian Libraries in terms of contributing to the research and teaching of the University, and to widen opportunities of education and knowledge sharing.

The overall objective of Bodleian Enterprises is to maximise its financial contribution to the Bodleian, combining commercial imperatives with an awareness of the non-commercial aims these will ultimately help deliver. The post holder should also be open to collaboration with other retail and income generating activities in both GLAM (the Gardens, Libraries and Museums Division) and the wider University.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be an established professional with the energy and understanding to operate as a senior leader in the Libraries’ team. Their attributes will include:

• Sustained experience and leadership of a visitor destination, retail business, publishing programme and commercial management in a cultural organisation
• Demonstrated skills in management and supervision, collaborating with internal stakeholders and with external bodies, and with strong evidence of teamwork
• Strong e-commerce experience, utilising management information and databases to enable trends to be analysed, segments identified and produce financial forecasts to achieve business growth
• Ability to manage large and complex operations effectively including highly developed planning and decision-making skills
• Significant experience in negotiating licenses, and intellectual property rights
• Experience and understanding of brand management and guardianship
• Degree level qualification
• Demonstrate high level of numeracy with proven understanding of financial operations, 
• Ability to initiate, drive and manage change with a demonstrable record of dealing successfully with organisational change

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit www.berwickpartners.co.uk/84854

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

William Pringle

Partner

William.pringle@berwickpartners.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 18^th February