Head of Library Operations and Collections

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 highly regarded 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 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.

Person

As Head of Library Operations and Collection Services you will be an experienced manager of library services with proven leadership experience of managing user-facing services or collections.

You will be a strategic and forward-thinking leader with a deep understanding of library services and a commitment to delivering an outstanding service. You will bring significant experience in managing customer-facing operations and/or library collections, with the ability to lead teams through change and innovation. The role requires someone who is confident in making decisions, managing budgets, and overseeing complex projects, while also being collaborative and skilled at building relationships across the university and with external partners.

You will be an excellent communicator, both in writing and verbally, and possess strong analytical skills to interpret data and drive service improvements. A high level of digital literacy is essential, along with the ability to use and support a range of digital tools and systems. The successful candidate will be committed to equity, diversity, and continuous professional development, and will demonstrate professionalism in their conduct and appearance.

This role also demands adaptability, with the flexibility to support university-wide events and initiatives, and a proactive approach to health and safety and wellbeing within the team. The candidate will be recognised as an expert in their 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 for this role attendance will vary on a day-to-day basis 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

Closing date for applications: 19th October 2025

Interviews are to be held: 31st October 2025