Metadata Assistant (12-month FTC), Special Interest

The opportunity

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, the leading independent publisher, is looking to recruit a Metadata Assistant for the Special Interest division to improve the quality and accuracy of our titles’ metadata, ensuring books are as easy to discover as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Group’s Metadata Team and play a key role in increasing visibility and discoverability of Bloomsbury’s varied Special Interest titles, which include sport, wellbeing, business, current affairs, military history, games, popular science, nautical, natural history, visual arts, crafts and reference.

The role sits within the central Metadata Team, reporting to the Metadata Manager, Special Interest.

The role 

• Run reports on backlist title data from the Biblio3 title database to identify missing or poor quality data
• Complete missing elements or improving the quality of existing data, including subject classification codes, keywords, proprietary codes and product/edition relationships
• Work with editorial teams to improve backlist web copy or complete missing copy
• Work with the relevant team to ensure updated data is fed out successfully
• Monitor impact of metadata improvements 
• Review title records on retailer sites  and investigate and resolve issues in collaboration with relevant teams
• Review and correct/improve Biblio data on frontlist titles ahead of feeds
• Check title Advance Information Sheets prior to publication
• Assist with one-off metadata projects/ad hoc title reviews as they arise

Knowledge, skills and experience 

We are looking for an enthusiastic, meticulous individual with a keen eye for detail, and passion for accuracy and a well-developed English language skills. 

Essential

• High standard of Excel skills and aptitude to improve
• High level of proofreading ability
• Data minded with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to follow written processes accurately and consistently
• Confident communicator with ability to work closely with staff in other departments at all levels
• Strong analytical skills
• Organisational skills
• Aptitude for learning

Desirable

• Copywriting skills
• Experience working with bibliographic data
• Experience using a title database such as Biblio3
• Subject knowledge in one or more of the areas of our publishing outlined above

Additional information

The role is a full-time temporary position for a 12-month period.

The role is preferably based at our Oxford office, Kemp House, Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford OX2 9PH on a hybrid working pattern of 2 days office based/ 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred).  Allocated office days for this role are Monday and Tuesday.

As an Assistant role, this position is eligible for Bloomsbury’s Rental Deposit Loan Scheme. To assist candidates who want to start and to establish a career in publishing, Bloomsbury offers an interest-free rental deposit to support securing somewhere to live. The rental deposit loan can be up to £3,000 and will be paid back over 2 years.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter addressed to Human Resources (Word or PDF format only) via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button detailing how you meet the requirements outlined above for this role by 9th April 2023.

Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications

Bloomsbury Benefits

As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package:

Working Pattern

• hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred)

Holidays

• 25 days holiday
• 3.5 days Christmas company holiday

Other Benefits:

Two paid Personal Wellness Days

Flexible Fridays – take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week

Season Ticket Loan

Sharesave Scheme

In-house Doctor

Eyecare Voucher Scheme

Company culture – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom (BAME), Accessibility, Mental Health, Pride, and Parents, Guardians and Carers), 10 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources

Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please flag this to the recruitment team if required.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The Book Trade Charity provide financial assistance for people looking to get into the publishing industry; you can find more information and talk directly here: http://booktradeentrysupport.org

The Company

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Bloomsbury Publishing is a leading independent publishing house, established in 1986, with authors who have won the Nobel, Pulitzer and Booker Prizes, and is the originating publisher and custodian of the Harry Potter series. Bloomsbury has offices in London, New York, New Delhi, Oxford and Sydney. Within Bloomsbury’s Academic division, it publishes under Bloomsbury, as well as under a number of prestigious and historic imprint names. Read Our Story for how it all began. 

 Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society.