At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of digital collections systems across renowned museums.
- Company: Join Oxford University's GLAM division, home to iconic cultural institutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a great pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role with potential for extension, based in Central Oxford.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative digital innovation project in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing digital systems and IT service management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 € per year.
About the role
Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) division is home to some of the world’s most celebrated cultural institutions – including the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Libraries, Museum of Natural History, and Pitt Rivers Museum. Together, they care for over 8 million objects and welcome more than 3 million visitors every year.
We are now looking for a Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems to play a pivotal role in the development of our digital infrastructure. This exciting position sits within the GLAM Divisional Office and will contribute directly to delivering on the University’s strategic ambition of transforming access to its collections through digital innovation.
You will lead on the delivery of the emerging cross-museums digital collections service, coordinating vendor relationships, managing associated budgets and contracts, maintaining systems reliability, and advising on strategic improvements. You will also oversee system management across the museums, acting as a key escalation point for incident resolution and service optimisation, and reporting into the Service Owner(s).
This is a fixed-term, full-time post (37.5 hours per week) for 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. The role supports hybrid working with the expectation of 3 days on-site per week in Central Oxford.
About you
You will have experience managing digital information systems, preferably in a cultural heritage context, with a strong background in IT service management and vendor engagement, as well as
experience of change management and leading technical or multi-stakeholder projects. You will have knowledge of cultural sector data standards and best practices, and experience managing or supervising staff.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. You supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will Aruna Bhaugeerutty, Head of Digital Collections, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (aruna.bhaugeerutty@ashmus.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online before 12:00 midday (BST) on Tuesday 26 August 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 15 September 2025.
Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) division offers a unique opportunity for the Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems to thrive in a vibrant cultural environment. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, GLAM provides an excellent pension scheme, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and professional development. Located in Central Oxford, this role not only allows for hybrid working but also places you at the heart of world-renowned institutions, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Contact Detail:
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the digital collections systems currently in use at Oxford's GLAM division. Understanding their specific needs and challenges will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural heritage sector, especially those involved in digital transformation. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with vendor management and IT service management in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led projects or managed change in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in digital collections and data standards within the cultural sector. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will demonstrate your commitment to innovation and improvement in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Manager of Museum Digital Collections Systems position. Make notes on key skills and experiences that are highlighted.
Craft a Tailored Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is crucial. Address each essential and desirable selection criterion listed in the job description. Provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Update Your CV:Ensure your CV is current and relevant. Highlight your experience in managing digital information systems, IT service management, and any relevant projects in the cultural heritage sector. Keep it concise and focused.
Proofread and Submit:Before submitting your application, proofread both your CV and supporting statement for any errors or typos. Ensure all required documents are uploaded and that your application is submitted before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know Your Digital Collections
Familiarise yourself with the digital collections systems used by the museums. Understand their current capabilities and any recent innovations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their digital transformation.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing digital information systems, especially in a cultural heritage context. Be ready to provide specific examples of projects you've led, particularly those involving IT service management and vendor engagement.
✨Showcase Change Management Skills
Since the role involves overseeing system management and advising on strategic improvements, be prepared to talk about your experience with change management. Discuss how you've successfully led technical or multi-stakeholder projects in the past.
✨Prepare Questions for the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about the role, the team, and the future of digital collections at the museums. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.