Associate Director Collections and Digital Transformation

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Manchester Metropolitan University as a senior leader, shaping the future of our library services through digital transformation and strategic vision development. With a significant budget responsibility, you will engage in innovative initiatives that enhance access to knowledge and improve user experiences. This role calls for a dynamic leader with extensive experience in managing complex organizations and driving change.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior leadership within complex organizations.
• Expertise in content licensing and digital strategy.
• Experience managing significant budgets and change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the digital transformation of library services and user experience.
• Manage budgets totaling £10M, with oversight of a content budget of £4.5M.
• Contribute to the design of a new library building.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Digital Transformation

Budget Management

Content Development

Education

Relevant higher education degree

Job description

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.