MANAGER / SENIOR MANAGER, RESOURCE DISCOVERY - LIBRARY

Public Service Division; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Singapore is seeking a Manager/Senior Manager for Library Resources & Discovery. This role involves shaping the library’s resource ecosystem, ensuring cost-effective acquisitions, leading a team, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have experience in library operations and a degree in Library & Information Science. Strong negotiation and resource management skills are essential, as is a passion for promoting academic success through innovative solutions, including the use of Generative AI.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of leadership experience in library operations for Manager role.
• 5-8 years of leadership experience for Senior Manager with success in vendor negotiations.
• Experience in academic settings managing procurement processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement resource strategies for the library.
• Negotiate terms with vendors and enhance technology integration.
• Manage budgets and monitor expenditure for resources.

Skills

Strategic initiative

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Resource management

Education

Degree in Library & Information Science or related discipline

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Library Guides

Power Automate

Canva

Job description

[What the role is]

This is a 2-year contract position as a Manager / Senior Manager in the Library.

[What you will be working on]

As Manager / Senior Manager (Library Resources & Discovery), you will play a strategic role in shaping NP Library’s resource ecosystem to support teaching, learning, and research.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Resource Strategy & Acquisition

• Develop and implement strategies to ensure NP Library offers authoritative, relevant, and cost-effective resources that meet academic and industry needs.

2. Vendor Engagement & Negotiation

• Build strong relationships with vendors and negotiate favourable terms for subscriptions, licenses, and services to optimize value and cost efficiency.

3. Discovery Systems & Technology Integration

• Oversee library discovery platforms and workflows, ensuring seamless access to resources. Drive innovation by leveraging emerging technologies, including Generative AI, to enhance resource discovery and support curriculum development.

4. Budget Planning & Cost Optimization

• Manage resource budgets, monitor expenditure, and identify opportunities for savings without compromising quality or relevance.

5. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and coach a team of library professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture. Provide guidance on workflows, priorities, and professional growth.

6. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with academic schools, faculty, and internal stakeholders to align library resources with curriculum needs and promote their effective use in teaching and learning.

7. Policy & Compliance

• Ensure procurement processes and resource management adhere to institutional policies and governance standards.

[What we are looking for]

Core Attributes

• Self-Starter & Driven: Motivated, proactive, and able to take strategic initiatives.
• Growth Mindset: Open to learning, adaptable to change, and eager to explore new ideas and technologies.
• Collaborative Spirit: Works well across teams, values diverse perspectives, and builds strong partnerships.
• Quality & Responsibility: Committed to high standards, attention to detail, and accountability.
• Maturity & Humility: Approaches challenges with professionalism, resilience, and a non-egoistic attitude.
• Resourceful & Strategic: Able to balance cost-effectiveness with quality and relevance in decision-making.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Proven ability to lead and coach teams, foster collaboration, and drive performance.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills to secure favourable terms and optimize resource investments.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills to align library resources with academic and industry needs.
• Effective project management and organizational skills to oversee procurement workflows and system enhancements.

Technical Competencies

• Familiarity with Library & Discovery systems, resource management platforms, and procurement processes.
• Tech-savvy with ability to leverage data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), workflow automation (e.g., Power Automate), and AI-powered discovery platforms.
• Comfortable using digital content tools (e.g., Library Guides, Canva) for resource promotion.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Library & Information Science or related discipline preferred.
• Manager: At least 3–5 years of leadership experience in library operations or resource management.
• Senior Manager: At least 5–8 years of leadership experience with demonstrated success in strategic planning and vendor negotiations.
• Experience in an academic setting and managing end-to-end procurement processes is advantageous.

Mindset & Values

• Passion for academic excellence, resource relevance, and cost optimization.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative culture within the Library and NP.
• Enthusiasm for innovation, including the use of Generative AI to enhance resource discovery and curriculum support.