Associate Director Collections and Digital Transformation

The Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an Associate Director for Collections and Digital Transformation. This leadership role involves strategic development in digital services and managing a significant budget, aiming to enhance the user experience within the university's library and cultural services. Candidates should possess extensive leadership experience and a proven track record in leading change in higher education, particularly in digital transformation and content management.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated senior leadership skills in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven experience of initiating and leading change programmes/projects.
• Expertise in content licensing and digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop a vision for content future supporting open research.
• Lead the digital transformation of services and user experience.
• Manage multiple budgets in line with University strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Digital Transformation

Content Licensing

Collection Development

User-Centered Design

Education

Advanced Degree in relevant field

Proven experience in a senior role

Job description

Associate Director Collections and Digital Transformation

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Associate Director Collections and Digital Transformation

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The Manchester Metropolitan University provided pay range

This range is provided by The Manchester Metropolitan University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

With your combination of visionary leadership skills and sound grasp of the strategic issues facing UK higher education, this is your chance to join us in transforming lives. We're looking for a creative, analytical thinker who appreciates the innovative possibilities for academic library services, content and digital transformation – and who can engage, inspire and motivate people to deliver them, as one.

About Manchester Met

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we're a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation.

We welcome those who are committed, talented and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals. Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About the opportunity

A key area of responsibility will be to develop a vision for our content future that supports open research, experiential learning, evolving publishing models, diverse formats, changing user needs and behaviour and inclusive access to knowledge. Another will be to lead the digital transformation of services and user experience, together with the strategic development of systems and platforms to support education and research. You'll also be playing an integral part in shaping the Library Transformation Programme – contributing to the design of a new library building and a compelling vision for the future service.

As an active member of the Library and Cultural Services Executive, deputising for the Director of Library and Cultural Services within and beyond the University, you'll share responsibility for the department's development, leadership and management. You'll deliver the overall budget (£10M) and plan and manage the content budget (£4.5M) in line with University strategy and priorities.

About you

Having demonstrated your senior leadership skills in a large, complex organisation with accountability for people, budgets and strategy, you have proven experience of initiating and leading change programmes/projects, and of leading and delivering content and/or digital strategy at scale. In particular, you have considerable expertise in content licensing, collection development and/or digital platforms and services – ideally including the management of budgets and change within cultural collections in a library, museum or heritage environment.

If you're excited by content and collections, digital transformation, user-centred design and the opportunity to lead strategic change at scale - this is your chance to make a real impact and we'd love to hear from you.

Further information and how to apply

To explore the post or to ask any questions you may have, please contact Rachel Beckett, Director of Library and Cultural Services, at [e-mail]

Deadline for applications is Sunday 13 July 2025. Please submit a letter of application of no more than 2 pages outlining your relevant experience and skills to succeed in this role, accompanied by your up to date CV. Please apply via our online recruitment system.

Interview Date – Friday 1 August 2025 in Manchester

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with the line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education and Management

• Industries

  Higher Education

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