Are you organised and keen to learn? Do you have an eye for detail? We’re looking for a Bibliographic Metadata Assistant to join our Bibliographic Metadata Operations team on a fixed term contract basis. We’re looking for someone to start as soon as possible, and the contract will run until late December 2024.  

The Role 

Reporting to the Bibliographic Metadata Manager, in this challenging and varied administrative role you’ll be working within a team supporting our publishing divisions, helping our Sales, Editorial, Inventory, Production, Marketing and Contracts teams to effectively boost their books throughout the publication process. 

Responsibilities will include: 

• Assisting Bibliographic Managers and Coordinators with the set up and maintenance of title information on Biblio3 (a publishing system), adding and updating core metadata, reviewing title classification, and monitoring metadata completeness 

• Data cleansing different aspects of bibliographic metadata in line with the team’s project timelines 

• Replying to queries and requests for updates to core metadata sent to the team’s busy central email inbox from across the business  

• Maintaining and updating records, and creating and distributing schedules for printed books, audio and eBooks 

• Carrying out regular tasks in conjunction with the Bibliographic Metadata Coordinators such as running weekly metadata completeness reports  

• Developing working relationships with colleagues across the business: the Editorial teams primarily, and others including Production, Inventory, and Sales 

• Liaising with members of the department to perform ad hoc tasks as and when required. 

What you’ll bring 

Working with colleagues within the Bibliographic Metadata & ONIX department and across the business, you’ll advise on best practice for the population of core metadata fields and the best classification categories for books to ensure our authors’ works are discoverable online and on shelves everywhere. You’ll need to be able to process data accurately and manage multiple priorities at once.  

We’re looking for someone with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and an eagerness to learn our publishing and distribution systems.  

Previous publishing experience is not necessary as training will be given, but you’ll need to be highly organised, have excellent attention to detail, and a good understanding of data entry. A passion for metadata and the world of books would be advantageous. 

About Penguin: 

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. 

How to apply 

Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 23:59 on Wednesday 21st February. As part of your cover letter please tell us why you are interested in a role working with metadata.  

What you can expect from us: 

Salary: £27,500 

Competitive benefits package:  

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.  

Our benefits include: 

Financial – discounted shopping, season ticket loan, rental deposit loan 

Wellbeing - healthcare cash plan, employee assistance, gym loan 

Lifestyle – taste card, tech scheme, free and discounted books 

For our full benefits list please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/ 

Hybrid working:  

We’re experimenting with a hybrid way of working that suits the needs of each team. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we’ll expect you to work at least two days a week whilst training, from our Nine Elms office in London. The exact balance of office to remote working will depend on the nature of your role and team needs, and we are open to discussing this through the recruitment process.    

The recruitment process:  

You can read about our recruitment process at https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/how-we-hire/ 

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. 

We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request. 

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee. 

Company: Penguin Books Limited 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 268114