Head of Content and Discovery (Maternity Cover)

About the role

We are seeking an experienced library professional to undertake a fixed term, maternity cover role as the Head of Content and Discovery within the Library Services department.

You will oversee a significant budget and lead a highly responsive and customer-focussed team who procure and manage electronic and physical information resources for seven libraries, as well as supporting and developing library technologies.

This is an opportunity to join our Library Leadership Team as we refresh our strategic objectives and embark on high profile negotiations with major publishers in collaboration with peers across the UK Higher Education sector.

What you would be doing

• You will participate in the development and implementation of the department’s aims and vision as a member of the Library Leadership Team
• You will lead a team of 17 staff, setting the strategic direction of the team and modelling a professional and collaborative team culture
• You will actively engage with sector groups, networks and mission groups, leading on initiatives where appropriate
• You will structure and allocate library materials budgets and ensure that budgets are spent within agreed expenditure levels
• You will lead on the continual improvement of the library management system, discovery system, reading list system and other key library systems

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will have substantial experience of managing information resources in an academic library or closely related service. They will also have:

• Strong people management skills and leadership experience
• Ability to work collaboratively, to negotiate, and to influence stakeholders
• Proven experience of planning and managing budgets effectively
• Knowledge of research and scholarly publication lifecycles
• Knowledge of general and library-related IT developments

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.

• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover position, ending in June 2026. (This is a hybrid role with minimum 60% on campus)

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Katherine Rose – [email protected]

Available documents