Head of Web Development Visa Sponsorship UK

Job Description

Head of Web Development

Digital & Technology (IT)
Job Reference: R00001071

Locations: Boston Spa (West Yorkshire) or St Pancras (London)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (18 months)
Working Pattern: Full time, 36 hours per week
Grade: SB4
Salary: £48,668 – £63,752 per annum

Location: Boston Spa St Pancras

Closing Date: 11 January 2026

Shape the Future of the British Library’s Digital Experience

This is a rare opportunity to lead web development at one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions. As Head of Web Development, you will guide the evolution of the British Library’s digital platforms, ensuring our online services are modern, secure, inclusive, and built around real user needs.

We have already completed a major transformation, rebuilding our web estate from the ground up using cloud-first, Jamstack-based architecture. Now, we are looking for a confident and forward-thinking leader to help us build on that foundation—driving innovation, improving performance, and shaping how millions of users interact with our collections online.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction of web development across the organisation
• Oversee modern, headless CMS platforms using contemporary frameworks and tooling
• Champion high-quality, accessible, and performance-driven user journeys
• Collaborate closely with product owners, designers, developers, content teams, and external partners
• Ensure our platforms remain secure, scalable, and resilient as user needs evolve
• Inspire and support technical teams to deliver work they can be proud of

This role suits someone who enjoys combining technical excellence, clear leadership, and collaborative working to deliver meaningful digital outcomes.

About the British Library

As the UK’s national library, we exist for everyone. Our collection includes more than 170 million items, spanning centuries of knowledge and creativity—and it continues to grow every day. While our history runs deep, our focus is firmly on the future: opening up access, supporting discovery, and helping people across the world do extraordinary things with information.

Our digital platforms play a vital role in that mission, connecting global audiences to one of the richest collections on the planet.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary aligned to location
• Exceptional Civil Service pension, with employer contributions of at least 28.97%
• Flexible working arrangements
• Up to 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays
• Flexi-time with the option to take up to 5 flexi days every three months
• Eligibility for a digital allowance, depending on role requirements
• A wide range of additional employee benefits available through our careers portal

Visa Sponsorship & Important Information

UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this role, subject to eligibility
(Learn more about the route on the official UK government website:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa)

Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

AI tools may be used to support applications, but all examples must reflect your own genuine experience

Applications found to include plagiarism or misrepresentation may be withdrawn

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from ethnically diverse candidates and disabled applicants. Diversity of thought and experience is central to achieving our mission.

How to Apply

If you would like to discuss the role or have any questions about the application process, please contact:
BL-recruitment@bl.uk