Content Acquisition & Access Manager

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Open ended: permanent

The opportunity:

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation, covering a wide range of activities. In Professional Services, we support the University’s research and teaching, offering many career and role specialisms. You will be part of the Library & University Collections team which helps people to grow their knowledge and create new connections through open services, collections, and environments, sparking ideas that change the world.

As the Content Acquisition & Access Manager you will lead the development and delivery of strategies for cost effective and efficient acquisition, discovery and access to library print and electronic information resources. You will work with key stakeholders to plan and manage the annual cycle of library materials purchase and access, overseeing spend of the £9.3M Library Materials Budget.

You will lead the Content Acquisition & Access Team, ensuring that team members are motivated, flexible and have the relevant skills so that services and innovations are delivered to target. You will plan and initiate innovations and refinements in acquisition and e-resource operations to deliver continuous improvement, and work closely with Library colleagues in the University and the sector on planning for the future provision of, and access to, scholarly resources.

In 2026/27 and beyond, you will continue to work closely with colleagues within the University and in the wider sector to address current challenges in providing effective access to library resources in support of teaching, learning and research.

We welcome applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, including:

• Extensive experience gained within academic/research libraries in: leading library content acquisition and e-resources; managing large, complex budgets; managing a large team.
• Good understanding of the academic library content supply chain, and the role of consortial groups and sectoral bodies.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to negotiate and influence.
• Excellent IT skills including significant experience of integrated library management systems, able to produce and analyse systems data.
• Experience of managing change, developing services and staff to respond to evolving requirements. 

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) with a minimum of 3 days a week to be worked at the Main Library, George Square, Edinburgh. We are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that include up to 2 days a week remote working, as business needs allow.

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