Head of Digital Service Innovation

University of Manchester

  • Manchester
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and digital) help us to deliver a world class library and information service for The University of Manchester. We sit at the heart of the University experience for both learning and research and are fully committed to widening access to our expertise, collections and services to individual researchers, local schools, and others in the community.The University of Manchester Library is committed to redefining the role and purpose of our academic research library in a fast changing world. Our Imagine2030 strategy sets the vision and priorities for the coming period of our development. In joining the University of Manchester Library you will play an important part of shaping and delivering the vision and priorities.As Head of Digital Service Innovation you will be responsible for leading the teams who support the Library's digital platforms and the teams supporting our students, researchers and other users. Our platforms include the Library management system (Alma), discovery tool (Primo), reading list system (Leganto) and repositories to manage digital objects from our Special Collections. You will develop strong relationships with our central IT Services directorate and be responsible for the application of our shared digital strategies. You will work with the teams to ensure roadmaps are in place for the continual improvement and future development of our library platforms, overseeing the relationships with library technology vendors.With the rapid expansion of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, you will steer the digital library estate through the developments, exploiting opportunities whilst centring our customer groups in the decision process. The post holder will enjoy working collaboratively, managing cross-library matrix team projects and identifying partnership opportunities beyond the Library.You will be responsible for overseeing transformative change in the support provided to our students, researchers and academics as digital technologies evolve at pace.You will be able to provide digital insight to the Library's Library Management Group, both on the current state of our digital landscape, and on preparing for potential digital futures.You will have line management responsibilities for 2 roles, each of whom have teams reporting to them:
  • Library Systems Manager (library platform focused teams) 8 people
  • Digital Support Services (digital skills and support focused teams) 10 people
You will have significant experience in all aspects of leadership and management, including performance management, leading people through change, as well as motivating and developing individuals within teams. You will be an approachable leader with excellent communication and digital skills, and a customer-focused approach to work. You will thrive on working with people and have high levels of emotional intelligence. The Library adopts a hybrid model, with the expectation you spend quality in-person time with people to develop excellent relationships and when asked to by colleagues for particular activities (such as workshops).Overall this is an excellent opportunity to shape the Library's digital offering at a time of great challenge and opportunity.What you will get in return:
  • Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
  • Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
  • Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
  • Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
  • Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out moreHybrid working arrangements may be considered.Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to . Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:Name: Ciaran TalbotEmail:General enquiries:Email:Technical support:This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

University of Manchester