Join Us in Transforming Lives at Manchester Met
With your unique blend of visionary leadership and a solid understanding of the strategic challenges facing UK higher education, this is your opportunity to be part of an institution driving meaningful change. We are seeking an innovative, analytical leader who embraces the endless possibilities of academic library services, digital transformation, and content development. If you have the talent to inspire and motivate teams to deliver impactful results, this is your next career step.
About Manchester Met
For over two centuries, Manchester Metropolitan University has been a catalyst for progress, delivering outstanding research and excellent education as one of the UK’s largest and most respected universities. We’re more than just a university—we’re a thriving community where ambitious individuals come together within a diverse and inclusive environment to create connections, innovate, and improve lives.
Our 5,100 colleagues collaborate every day to drive positive change regionally, nationally, and globally. We’re proud to be an institution where talent, dedication, and hard work are celebrated, and where people align with shared values to achieve collective goals.
At Manchester Met, you’ll find an environment purposefully designed to help you reach your full potential. Join us and be part of a community that transforms lives—let’s achieve greatness together.
About the Opportunity
In this pivotal role, you’ll take on crucial responsibilities to shape the future of our academic library services. This includes developing a forward-looking vision for content that supports open research, experiential learning, diverse publishing models, inclusive access to knowledge, and evolving user needs. Additionally, you will lead the library’s digital transformation—enhancing the user experience and advancing the strategic development of systems and platforms that underpin education and research.
A key focus will be your contribution to the Library Transformation Programme, influencing the design of our new library building and creating a compelling vision for its future role and services.
As an active member of the Library and Cultural Services Executive, you will deputise for the Director of Library and Cultural Services, representing the department across Manchester Met and beyond. You will share responsibility for its leadership, management, and ongoing development, overseeing a total budget of £10M, including the £4.5M content budget, to ensure alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
About You
You bring senior leadership experience within a large, complex organisation, demonstrating accountability for people, budgets, and strategic direction. You have successfully initiated and delivered change programmes and projects, as well as content or digital strategies at scale.
Your expertise includes content licensing, collection development, and digital services, preferably with experience managing budgets and driving transformation in cultural collections within libraries, museums, or heritage institutions.
If your passion lies in leading large-scale strategic change, digital transformation, user-centred design, and collections innovation, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to shape the future of academic library services and make a lasting impact.
Further Information and How to Apply
For inquiries or to discuss the role, please contact Rachel Beckett, Director of Library and Cultural Services, at [email protected].
The application deadline is Sunday, 13 July 2025. Submit a letter of application (no longer than two pages), outlining your relevant skills and experience for success in this role, alongside your current CV via our online recruitment system, accessible on Manchester Met’s website via the ‘Apply’ button.
Interview Date: Friday, 1 August 2025, in Manchester.
Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity
Manchester Metropolitan University is proud to foster an inclusive culture of belonging that values equity and celebrates diversity. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled individuals, and LGBTQ professionals.
We offer a range of flexible working options, including hybrid and bespoke arrangements, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can accommodate your needs with appropriate support.
Our inclusivity efforts include mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities designed to empower and uplift underrepresented voices within our workforce.
As a Disability Confident Leader, Manchester Met is committed to offering interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria outlined in the Job Description for this role.
Be Manchester Met Proud
Join a dynamic team dedicated to enabling positive change. Let’s transform lives together