Job Description

About the Role

Would you like to join a dynamic, fast-paced team working to convert analogue materials into digital formats? Do you have the technical aptitude to enhance our digitisation processes? Are you experienced, confident, and enthusiastic about supervising and mentoring a team? If so, you may be the person we are looking for.

At TownsWeb Archiving, we safeguard history through the digitisation, photographic capture and scanning of rare and fragile materials. Our vision is to ensure that archival collections thrive in a digital world.

We work with a truly valued client base, including Diageo, Bank of England, Unilever, Boots, Marks & Spencer, Sandhurst Military Academy, and numerous football clubs, who rely on us for their digitisation needs.

What you will need

This role brings together three core areas of responsibility:

1. Digitisation (Photography & Scanning)

You'll be directly involved in photographing and scanning historic materials using specialist equipment, software, and hardware. Items are often old, fragile, and unique, including books, maps, artworks, glass plates, photographs, slides, and film.

We offer full training through a structured programme delivered by experienced mentors. You will learn:

How to handle delicate archival material How to operate high-end DSLR cameras and specialist scanners How to create outputs to National Archive standards.
2. Technical Process Improvement

You will use your technical expertise to evaluate, improve, and innovate our digitisation workflows. This may include:

Writing scripts or small tools (e.g., Python, Photoshop automation) Using third-party apps to streamline processes Creating Excel-based solutions for data manipulation Supporting colleagues with technical queries and managing our software accounts.
You will be expected to benchmark improvements, document new processes, and ensure they are successfully adopted across the team.

3. Team Supervision & Leadership

Working closely with our Production Manager, you will help supervise, mentor, and upskill our expanding team. Responsibilities include:

Upholding and improving quality standards Fostering high morale, motivation, and accountability Managing workflow, processes, and resources Ensuring productivity aligns with business objectives Driving innovation and supporting continuous improvement.

About the Digitisation Output

We use a variety of software, including CaptureOne, Photoshop, and in-house tools, to create digital outputs such as TIF, JPG, PDF, MOV, MP4, WAV, and MP3. These files support online publishing, research, revenue generation (e.g., genealogy), and long-term preservation.

You will also collaborate with our engineering team to ensure digitised content can be efficiently ingested into

PastView

, our rapidly growing SaaS platform used across the UK and USA.

An interest in photography is desirable, but

demonstrable technical I.T. skills and supervisory experience are essential

.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Digitisation Responsibilities

Digitise historical materials at our Kettering studios (with occasional on-site client work) Conduct indexing and first-level quality checks Process images via in-house and third-party tools Work towards throughput targets and deadlines Attend client sites for collections/returns (manual handling involved) Update internal systems for project tracking Provide project updates via Google Suite Communicate progress to staff and clients (email/phone/Slack).

Technical Responsibilities

Review, benchmark, and analyse all digitisation, logistics, QA and client delivery processes Investigate and recommend improvements with managers & tech teams Implement, test, and document new workflows Train colleagues and integrate changes into daily operations Create tools to monitor processes, projects, and resource usage Provide technical support to the team and management of software accounts/hardware.

Supervision Responsibilities

Team Leadership: Support, guide, and mentor the digitisation team Quality Assurance: Maintain high digitisation standards Performance: Promote productivity, morale, and accountability Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth workflow and resource use Business Value: Deliver measurable improvements to output and efficiency Innovation: Recommend and adopt new technologies and practices.

What We Offer

You'll work alongside global brands while developing advanced skills in digitisation, technical systems, and team leadership.

You'll be based in our modern, spacious converted barn, home to a passionate, friendly, and dynamic team.

We also provide:

Competitive salary with strong development opportunities Professional training to digitise to National Archive standards A fast-paced, innovative, and supportive work environment Company social events, group activities, and volunteering opportunities.

Our Ideal Candidate

Essential

Minimum 1 year commercial experience in programming/scripting or I.T. engineering (Python, PHP, Java, etc.) Demonstrable leadership experience or clear leadership potential Strong understanding of operating systems (Windows, Unix, Linux) and Creative Cloud Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills High accuracy and attention to detail Strong organisation, self-motivation, and communication skills Team player who can also work independently Positive attitude, reliability, and a proactive mindset Willingness to work overtime when required Interest in history and cultural heritage UK driving licence and own vehicle.
Desirable

Experience with MS Office, Google Suite, Photoshop or similar software Understanding of image/audio formats (TIFF, JPG, PDF, WAV, MP4 etc.) Experience using digital cameras or scanners; photography basics Relevant computing qualifications or equivalent experience.

Benefits

Company events Company pension On-site parking Referral programme.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm (on-site) Occasional travel and on-site client work.

Licence/Certification

Drivers Licenses and Own Car (required)

Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Experience:

Software/I.T. Engineering: 1 year (required) Management/Supervision: 1 year (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving License (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Kettering NN16 8XF (required)
Work Location: In person