People & Culture Manager

About us:

The King’s community is dedicated to the service of society. King’s Strategic Vision 2029 sets out our vision for the future, shaped around five priority areas: educate to inspire and improve; research to inform and innovate; serve to shape and transform; a civic university at the heart of London; and an international community that services the world.

Within Libraries & Collections, we aspire to be leaders in enabling access to knowledge and information fundamental to this vision. Developments in digital education, e-research and AI are transforming our services. Our Open Library strategy outlines our ambitious plans and how they contribute to student success and research excellence.

About the role:

The People & Culture Manager will drive values-led initiatives designed to boost staff well-being and professional growth, fostering an inclusive environment that aligns with our strategic goals. By bridging the gap between university-wide policies and departmental action, they will empower managers to enhance their leadership capabilities and cultivate high-performing, cohesive teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead our commitment to a truly inclusive and equitable culture within Libraries & Collections. You will drive initiatives that ensure all staff - regardless of background - are supported to reach their full potential. Based in Business Operations, you will partner with senior management to dismantle structural barriers and foster a sense of belonging for all underrepresented groups. As our primary liaison with the King’s Organisational Development team, you will represent our department in shaping a progressive people-and-culture strategy across the university.

All Libraries & Collections staff are encouraged to take responsibility for their performance and development through clear objectives, professional engagement and reflective practice. Managers are expected to adopt a positive, proactive, flexible and committed approach that inspires others. 

The post holder will also participate in frontline services as required, including contributing to a Manager on Duty rota for evening and weekend working. 

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you:

Essential criteria

• We value diverse backgrounds and believe various career paths can lead to success in this role. Ideally, you will have a degree and experience in EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) or staff development.
• Experience of implementing values-led change and supporting others through the process, balancing day-to-day operational activities with developing the service.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to share information clearly, build trust and engage effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Experience of supervising or managing projects and/or service improvements.
• Proven track record of leading with a values-based mindset, ensuring that anti-racist, disability-inclusive, and equitable practices are woven into the fabric of daily team operations.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-changing environment and to meet challenging deadlines.
• Proven ability to work proactively and collaboratively with a range of teams and stakeholders to deliver shared objectives and high-quality services.
• A solid grasp of EDI workplace issues and relevant legislation, coupled with an understanding of how structural barriers and inequality impact employee experiences.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of the current and future challenges facing academic libraries in research-intensive universities
• Experience of researching, applying, and promoting EDI policies and initiatives and sharing best practice

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