Deputy Head of Library Services Acquisitions and Systems (FTC)

Arden University; Baginton; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Arden University is seeking a Deputy Head of Library Services to join the Learning Success Hub. This role involves leading digital library services, acquisitions, and managing relationships to support academic needs. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in library management and a graduate qualification in a relevant field, promoting inclusive services in a digitally progressive environment.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension plan with company contributions

SimplyHealth plan option

Private Medical Insurance

Access to Perkbox benefits

Free Arden course access

Golden Ticket for a free Arden education

Qualifications

• Significant senior experience in higher education library services.
• Proven leadership skills with a focus on user-centered services.
• Strong knowledge of acquisitions and licensing.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction of library resources across the University.
• Oversee procurement strategy and supplier relationship management.
• Act as lead for copyright policy and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Team Management

Stakeholder Management

Digital Library Systems

Budget Management

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Librarianship, Information Science, or related field

Tools

Digital library platforms

Job description

Salary: £58,000 - £63,000 per annum

Employment type:Fixed Term Contract for up to 12 months (Covering Secondment)

Hours per week: 37

Reporting into: Director of Library and Learning Success Hub

Department: Learning Success Hub

Click here to read the full job description and view our excellent benefits here

This role operates primarily on a remote working arrangement that will require little to no travel into our Coventry head office or our campuses (Birmingham, Leeds, London and Manchester). Our working model arrangements are a non-contractual benefit so please note that an Arden work location is added to our employment contracts.

About Arden University:

We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.

There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines, forge worldwide partnerships, and expand our locations.

About our Department:

At Arden University, we’re dedicated to providing students with everything they need to excel in their studies—all in one place! Our Learning Success Hub is a dynamic, 24/7 support service designed to help students thrive academically and achieve their goals. This includes a Library Portal, Academic Skills support and the English Language Hub.

This role leads the development and delivery of Arden’s fully digital Library service, driving the strategic direction of acquisitions, reading list provision, and library systems to ensure inclusive, high-quality resources are aligned with academic priorities.

About the Opportunity:

We are looking for a leader to join us as Deputy Head of Library Services (Acquisitions & Systems) at a pivotal time in the development of our Learning Success Hub. As a key member of the Library’s leadership team, you will drive the strategic direction of library resource provision across Arden University, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and academic needs.

In this role, you will lead on acquisitions, licensing, and collection management, supported by a team of Content & Acquisitions Assistants. You will oversee procurement strategy, manage supplier relationships, and ensure our collections support both teaching and research.

This role also acts as the University’s lead for copyright policy and engagement with sector consortia, publishers and stakeholders.Your leadership will be critical in shaping efficient systems and sustainable practices that enhance our student and staff experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with vision, expertise in library systems and acquisitions, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive services in a growing, digital-first university.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking library professional with a postgraduate qualification in Librarianship, Information Science, or a related field. With significant leadership experience in higher education, you will bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership capabilities, and hands-on expertise in digital library systems and resource acquisition.

You’ll be confident managing teams, budgets, and supplier relationships, and committed to delivering inclusive, user-centred services that align with institutional goals.

You will have:

• A postgraduatequalification in Librarianship, Information Science, or a related discipline
• Significant senior experience in higher education library services
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop and motivate user-focused teams
• Strong working knowledge of digital library platforms, systems (e.g., LMS, discovery tools), and e-resource management
• Expertise in acquisitions and licensing, including current publishing and procurement models
• Experience managing complex budgets and delivering value through effective financial oversight
• The ability to lead on copyright policy, training, and compliance
• A collaborative approach with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  

Why Arden:

At Arden, you will become a part of a passionate and dedicated team who are committed to removing unnecessary barriers to learning and making education more accessible. Our people work hard to ensure our students journeys are the best they can possibly be, as such we want to reward our people with fantastic benefits. Employees benefit from:

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays on-top, and even a Christmas closure!
• A generous Aviva pension plan, company contributions starting from 7%
• SimplyHealth plan option
• Private Medical Insurance
• Access to Perkbox benefits
• Study any Arden course for free, with a discount for all family and friends
• Plus, otherexcellent benefits
• Our ‘Golden Ticket’ which allows you to gift anyone in your life a free Arden education
  

Our Values:

Stand out, Progressive, Accessible, Resourceful, Kindness,reflect who we are as an institution, a team and as individuals. If they also reflect you and you are excited by the chance to be the driving, creative force within a growing business, we want to hear from you.

There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines and locations.

Closing Date:Tuesday 15thJuly

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. In order to avoid missing an opportunity to apply please submit your application as early as possible.

If you are a current Arden student or have an upcoming course with us, you are not eligible to apply for Student Experience roles due to a conflict of interest related to system access.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion:

Arden University is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. This means that if you have a disability, as defined by the Disability Equality Act 2010, you may be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.

If you wish to be considered under this scheme, you can indicate via the application form below. By doing so, you are also consenting for this information to be shared with the hiring team. For more details on what qualifies as a disability under the Disability Equality Act 2010, please refer tothe guidancehere.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Therefore, we make sure that our recruitment and selection processes never discriminate based upon people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances, and actively welcome applications from all groups.

Sponsorship statement:

Please be aware that some roles may not meet the points requirement for a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points-based immigration system. However, we welcome applications from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but may be eligible for a visa through an alternative route.