Head of Digital Services and Transformation

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Manchester seeks a Head of Digital Services and Transformation to lead innovation and enhance user experience. The role involves shaping digital strategies, managing robust services, and promoting AI-driven solutions. Ideal candidates will have senior experience in library settings and a strong background in digital transformation. A hybrid work model is offered, ensuring a collaborative culture that values diversity.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangements

Inclusive culture and diversity commitment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Senior experience in a library or cultural collections environment.
• Deep expertise in digital library services, discovery, and content.
• Proven track record in digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation to support education, research, and civic engagement.
• Shape an inspiring future digital experience for users.
• Design robust, user-centred digital systems and services.
• Drive AI-powered services and data-driven approaches.
• Build digital confidence across Library and Cultural Services.

Skills

Digital library services

Leadership

User-centred design

Digital transformation

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

Are you a visionary leader with deep expertise in digital library services, a passion for innovation and the drive to deliver transformative change across our service and user experience?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Digital Services and Transformation to join our ambitious and evolving Library and Cultural Services. Come and join us!

About the opportunity

This is your chance to lead transformation to support education, research and civic engagement. You will:

• Shape an inspiring future digital experience for our users, including in our new library building.
• Design and manage user-centred digital systems, platforms and services that are robust, sustainable and responsive to evolving needs across the Library, North West Film Archive, Special Collections and Manchester Poetry Library.
• Develop intuitive access and discovery solutions, connecting people to knowledge, collections and creativity.
• Drive AI-powered services, automation, digital-first workflows and data-driven approaches to enhance access, efficiency and user experience.
• Build digital confidence and capability across Library and Cultural Services.
• Contribute to the senior leadership group, driving change and delivering impact.

About you

You are a confident, creative leader who understands the innovative possibilities for library and cultural services. You will bring senior experience in a library or cultural collections environment and deep expertise in digital library services, discovery and content. With a proven track record in digital transformation, you combine a passion for innovation and user experience with the ability to inspire teams, shape strategy and collaborate across the University and the wider sector.

Why join us?

Library and Cultural Services is ambitious, agile and bold. We are resourceful and passionate about providing an evolving service that is valued and celebrated by the University's 43,000 students and 5,000 staff. Excellence, innovation and an outstanding user experience drive everything we do. Joining us, you'll be welcomed into an ambitious, collaborative and inclusive team.

With our Library Transformation Programme underway, including a new library building, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our service.

Get in touch

If you are excited by digital transformation, user centred design and the opportunity to deliver transformational change this is your chance to make a real impact and we'd love to hear from you.

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

Further information and how to apply

Hybrid working is offered for this role, where you will be able to work a proportion of time on campus and a proportion remotely.We recognise the benefits and importance of a culture that supports flexible working and are open to conversations throughout the application process.

Please submit your application by clicking "apply now" and upload your CV along with a Cover Letter that outlines your suitability to the role. Interviews are likely to take place on the 11th and 12th October.

Equality and diversity commitment

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 your 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.