Associate Director Education and Research

Are you an effective strategic and people leader, able to set direction and convert strategy into compelling outcomes? Are you committed to collective leadership and inclusive practice, a creative optimist who will inspire and engage our people?

Now is a hugely exciting time to join Library and Cultural Services. We are embarking on an ambitious plan to reimagine our profile and portfolio, including the design and construction of a landmark new building, in support of the University's Road to 2030 strategy.

To drive change and achieve this transformation, we need inspired, innovative leadership across a broad spectrum of responsibilities. If you can develop a compelling vision and lead with authenticity and purpose, motivating and engaging staff, this is your chance to join us as Associate Director Education and Research - playing a key role in embedding a shared culture of innovation and supporting the University's priorities.

About us
We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About the role
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will share responsibility for the strategic leadership and management of Library and Cultural Services, providing high-level support to the Director and leading two significant domains, navigating opportunities and challenges with confidence and strategic insight.

Transformative education and student success where you will shape the Library's strategic contribution to teaching, learning and co-curricular support throughout the student journey. This includes embedding Library expertise in curriculum design and delivery, leading information literacy and digital fluency teaching, and developing innovative, digitally-enhanced services aligned with emerging pedagogies.

Open research where you will lead the strategic development of services that encompass open access publishing, repository services, digital preservation, research data management and public engagement with research. You will be a visible advocate for open research, ensuring that systems and processes align with funder, regulatory and assessment requirements.

You will also play a central role in defining a reimagined Library and student experience through the Library Transformation Programme, and build strong, collaborative relationships across the University and beyond, engaging widely to influence thinking, inform strategic direction and enhance the Library and Cultural Services' reputation, visibility and contribution.

About you
You bring drive to achieve our strategic vision, develop and deliver innovative services and a passion for student success and research that makes a difference. You are strongly committed to inclusion, collaboration, and user-centred design, and lead in ways that empower others. An inclusive and visionary leader, you inspire people and develop teams, creating the conditions where innovation and success flourish.

With a record of successful senior leadership and management in a large, complex and diverse library or information environment, you combine deep expertise in pedagogy and digitally enhanced learning, excellent understanding of the opportunities and challenges of open research and excellent knowledge of sector-leading approaches to academic library services.

You bring substantial experience in developing strategy and translating it into measurable outcomes, informed by a sound understanding of the UK higher education landscape and its strategic drivers.

A skilled influencer and alliance builder, you form productive relationships, develop alliances and navigate complexity with confidence. Experienced in leading change, you deliver major programmes and projects with clarity, focus and impact. Analytical and future-focused, you use data and insight to inform planning, guide decisions and evaluate performance.

Further information and how to apply
To explore the post or to ask any questions you may have, please contact Rachel Beckett, Director of Library and Cultural Services, at rachel.beckett@mmu.ac.uk.

Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought.

Interviews will be held in Manchester on Tuesday 14 April 2026

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 all local and international communities, including 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 Job Description for that vacancy.