Head of Digital Service Innovation

at  The University of Manchester

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.

• Library Systems Manager (library platform focused teams) 8 people
• Digital Support Services (digital skills and support focused teams) 10 peopl