Weekly Working Hours: 37
Transform Lives by Changing Your Career
The Open University, the UK’s largest academic institution, is a global pioneer in flexible, part-time education. With a mission to broaden access to higher education and a commitment to research excellence, we empower individuals and transform lives through learning. Discover more about our values and purpose by viewing this short video (link opens on YouTube).
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Library Manager to spearhead the systems, services, and digital capabilities supporting a high-quality, versatile Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) function. This key leadership role manages a diverse portfolio of technology systems, products, repositories, and low-code platforms across their lifecycle—spanning requirements analysis, procurement, implementation, optimization, and decommissioning.
Your role will be pivotal in fostering strong relationships throughout the University, ensuring KIM systems advance key strategies, improve user experiences, and deliver cost-effective and innovative solutions that utilize emerging technologies. As an expert leader in KIM systems, you will guide teams, suppliers, and technical experts to deliver impactful solutions, rather than engaging in hands-on development.
Additionally, your contributions will uphold high standards in developing consistent, secure, and effective knowledge services to support the University’s overall mission. Take a virtual tour of the Open University Library Building through this video.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Service Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of KIM technology systems and practices, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and user needs.
- Define business and KIM requirements by collaborating with stakeholders to create functional specifications, workflows, and technical solutions.
- Oversee the design and continuous improvement of repository systems, authentication tools, and digital platforms.
Systems and Digital Delivery
- Drive the delivery of Power Platform and other low-code digital solutions, collaborating with internal teams to streamline workflows and improve services.
- Ensure KIM processes and systems are documented, maintained, and governed to uphold sustainable practices and institutional compliance.
Operational Management
- Plan and manage team resources, ensuring the appropriate mix of skills and expertise to meet evolving service demands.
- Guide colleagues on implementing new systems and practices while coordinating with technical specialists and the Library Business Systems team.
- Provide leadership to the Metadata team, addressing technical challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.
Collaboration and Supplier Management
- Work collaboratively with IT and other teams to meet project deadlines and ensure service enhancements support institutional needs.
- Manage external technology providers, ensuring effective contract management, service-level compliance, and strong supplier relationships.
Continuous Improvement and Governance
- Develop and regularly review policies, frameworks, and strategies for KIM systems and services.
- Identify areas for improvement by analyzing processes and practices to increase effectiveness and strengthen results.
- Establish performance metrics and evaluation methods to monitor service effectiveness and ensure continual improvement.
Leadership and Reporting
- Lead and motivate the KIM team through effective recruitment, development planning, performance reviews, and goal setting.
- Provide regular updates to the Leadership Team, covering performance metrics, budgets, and system developments.
Sector Engagement
- Participate in professional networks to stay up-to-date on improvements in technology, artificial intelligence, and low-code service delivery, enhancing the University’s position as a sector leader.
- Use industry insights to shape innovative approaches in KIM systems and services.
About You
Essential:
- Higher education qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven expertise in navigating Information Security and compliance requirements.
- Experience delivering digital solutions, including Power Platform or low-code tools.
- Strong understanding of modern application development practices and methodologies across multiple platforms.
- Awareness of emerging opportunities and challenges in digital tools, AI, and knowledge management.
- Leadership experience within technical, digital, or project-based teams, with a commitment to team development and collaboration.
- Familiarity with IT support methods, knowledge management practices, and digital service frameworks.
Desirable:
- Experience in data analysis, information architecture, or metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core).
- Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2) or equivalent experience leading projects successfully.
Application Support
Need support or adjustments during the application process? Contact us at 01908 541111 or email [email protected], quoting the advert reference number.
Benefits of Joining Us
At The Open University, we value outstanding work and offer a range of benefits to support your work-life balance. Explore these benefits on our Staff Benefits page.
Flexible Working
We welcome discussions on flexible working arrangements (e.g., part-time, compressed hours, job shares, etc.). Let us know what arrangements work best for you.
Working Location
This role supports a hybrid working pattern, enabling you to work from home and our Milton Keynes office. A monthly office presence or attendance for ad hoc meetings may be required, depending on business needs. Please note that travel expenses to our Milton Keynes site will not be reimbursed.
Timeline for Recruitment
- Interviews are planned for the week commencing 29th June 2026.
- Please note that applications may close early if a sufficient number of suitable candidates apply. All vacancies will remain open for at least one week before early closure.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- Your CV
- A Supporting Statement (up to 1,000 words) explaining your interest in the role and how your skills/experience align with the essential criteria listed above.
Stay informed about your application status through our recruitment system (please check spam/junk folders for email updates).
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Open University is dedicated to being open to all people, places, and ideas. We strive to recruit from diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where every individual can achieve their full potential