Head of Library Operations and Collections

Canterbury Christ Church University; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canterbury is seeking a dynamic Head of Library Operations and Collections. The role involves overseeing library services across campuses and ensuring user-focused experiences. Candidates should have proven leadership in library management, experience in customer-facing services, and a commitment to diversity. This position offers a blend of on-campus and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experienced manager of library services with proven leadership experience.
• Significant experience in managing customer-facing operations.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee customer-facing operations, physical spaces, and collection development.
• Act as the professional lead in service design and user experience.
• Deputise for the University Librarian and contribute to library strategy.

Skills

Leadership experience

User experience design

Budget management

Digital literacy

Analytical skills

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about creating an outstanding university experience? Do you thrive in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to be part of a newly designed Directorate of Student Life at Canterbury Christ Church University.

As Head of Library Operations and Collections, you’ll play a pivotal role within our Library Services department. Following a strategic redesign and the launch of our new library strategy, Our New Chapter, the service is evolving to meet the dynamic challenges and opportunities in education, research, publishing, and information services.

Role

We’re seeking a dynamic Head of Library Operations and Collections to shape the future of our library services across all campuses. As part of Student Life and Library Service you will help play a key role in shaping the future of our user facing library services and collections across all campuses. This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for delivering inclusive, accessible, and user-focused library experiences for students, researchers, and staff and targeted.

You’ll oversee customer-facing operations, physical spaces, and collection development, acting as the professional lead in service design, user experience, and front-of-house services. As a key member of the Library Management Team, you’ll also deputise for the University Librarian and contribute to the development and implementation of the library strategy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee customer-facing operations, physical spaces, and collection development.
• Act as the professional lead in service design, user experience, and front-of-house services.
• Be a key member of the Library Management Team and deputise for the University Librarian.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the library strategy.
• Shape the future of library services and collections across all campuses for students, researchers, and staff.

Person / Qualifications

• Experienced manager of library services with proven leadership experience of managing user-facing services or collections.
• Strategic and forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of library services and a commitment to delivering an outstanding service.
• Significant experience in managing customer-facing operations and/or library collections, with the ability to lead teams through change and innovation.
• Confident in making decisions, managing budgets, and overseeing complex projects; collaborative and skilled at building relationships across the university and with external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and strong analytical abilities to interpret data and drive service improvements.
• High level of digital literacy and ability to use and support a range of digital tools and systems.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and continuous professional development, and professionalism in conduct and appearance.
• Adaptability to support university-wide events and initiatives, proactive in health and safety and wellbeing within the team.
• Recognised as an expert in the field, actively engaged with professional networks, and capable of designing and delivering training to support staff development.

How will you work?

We are committed to supporting flexible methods of working wherever possible; attendance will vary day-to-day and across the year but must purposefully align to the service being delivered and to the needs of our students, staff, and stakeholders. It is expected that the majority of your working time will be spent on campus.

How to apply

Start date for applications: 29 September 2025

Closing date for applications: 19 October 2025

Interviews are to be held: 31 October 2025

If you require further information regarding the post please feel free to contact Theresa Thurston at [e-mail] (strictly no agencies, thank you) quoting reference number REQ05768.

Please note, Canterbury Christ Church University reserve the right to bring the closing date of this position forward where a high volume of applications is received.