Are you driven to create an exceptional university experience? Do you excel in a collaborative and innovative environment? If so, Canterbury Christ Church University has a fantastic opportunity for you to join our newly formed Directorate of Student Life.
As the Head of Library Operations and Collections, you will play a key leadership role in our well-respected Library Services department. With the launch of our new library strategy, Our New Chapter, this is an exciting time to shape the future of library services, adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities in education, research, publishing, and information provision.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Library Operations and Collections to lead the future direction of user-facing library services and collections across all university campuses. As part of the Student Life and Library Services team, you will contribute to delivering inclusive, accessible, and user-focused experiences for our students, academic staff, and researchers.
This role encompasses leadership of customer-facing operations, physical library spaces, and the development of collections. You will serve as the professional lead in service design, user experience, and front-of-house delivery, ensuring best practices and innovation guide our approach. Additionally, as a key member of the Library Management Team, you will play a critical role in implementing the library strategy and will deputise for the University Librarian when required.
About You
As the Head of Library Operations and Collections, you will bring significant experience as a leader in library services, with a background in managing user-facing services or collections.
You will be:
- A strategic and forward-thinking leader with in-depth knowledge of library services and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service.
- Experienced in managing customer-focused operations and/or library collections, while leading teams through innovation and change.
- Skilled in decision-making and confident in managing budgets and overseeing complex projects.
- Collaborative, with strong relationship-building abilities across the university, as well as with external partners.
You will also possess exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, along with strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive service improvements. A high level of digital literacy is essential, as is proficiency with a variety of digital tools and systems.
A deep commitment to equity, diversity, and professional development will be central to your approach, along with a proactive mindset toward health, safety, and team wellbeing. We are also seeking someone adaptable, prepared to support university-wide events and initiatives, and engaged with professional networks as an expert in their field.
Key Attributes:
- The ability to design and deliver staff training programs to foster professional growth.
- Excellence in service delivery, with creative problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated professionalism in conduct and appearance.
How You’ll Work
We value flexibility in ways of working and aim to adapt wherever possible. While this will vary depending on the service and the needs of students and stakeholders, the role is campus-based, with the majority of working hours spent on-site.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 19th October 2025
- Interview Date: 31st October 2025
How to Apply
If you’re excited to contribute to the next era of library services at Canterbury Christ Church University, we encourage you to apply. Together, let’s shape the future of student and research-focused library experiences