At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate Library and Skills services to enhance student engagement and success.
- Company: Join the University of Staffordshire, a modern university celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Empowering environment, opportunities for innovation, and career development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values new ideas and bold thinking.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact on student experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in student services and understanding of the higher education landscape.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is an exciting time to join the University of Staffordshire. We have recently unveiled our new name and brand identity – a bold step forward in repositioning ourselves as the UK’s leading modern university. With a more confident and compelling voice, we are celebrating diversity, opportunity and inclusivity, and reinforcing our commitment to transforming lives across our region and beyond.
We are building a distinctive, future-focused learning environment, where digital innovation, student success and real-world engagement sit at the heart of our approach. Against this backdrop, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to take forward our Library and Skills provision at a pivotal moment of development.
Role
Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Life, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for Library, Learning Resources and Skills delivery across the University. Operating at a senior level, you will shape a service that enables student engagement, progression and success across an increasingly diverse and digitally enabled student body.
You will lead the development and delivery of a modern, inclusive and responsive service, ensuring that provision aligns with institutional priorities and enhances the student experience across both formal and informal learning environments. Working collaboratively with colleagues across academic and professional services, you will drive cross-University initiatives that support recruitment, transition, retention and achievement. You will champion innovation, making effective use of digital technologies to improve access, engagement and outcomes.
As a senior leader, you will also act as a trusted adviser to the Executive, representing the University internally and externally on matters relating to library services, student skills and the wider student experience.
About You
You will bring a strong track record of leadership within student-facing services, with the ability to operate confidently in a complex and evolving higher education environment. You will demonstrate:
- Significant experience of leading and developing library, learning support or student skills services
- A strong understanding of the UK higher education landscape and the challenges and opportunities relating to student learning and support
- Evidence of delivering service transformation, particularly through digital innovation and process improvement
- A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage stakeholders at all levels
You will also bring a clear understanding of student needs and behaviours, alongside a commitment to creating inclusive, accessible and impactful services that enhance outcomes and experience.
Why Join Us?
This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of Library and Skills provision at a university with clear ambition, pace and purpose. You will join a supportive and empowering environment where innovation, insight and expertise are valued. Our culture encourages new ideas and bold thinking, offering you the platform to make a lasting impact and further develop your leadership career.
Closing date: Monday 27 July 2026 (9.00am)
Head of Library and Skills employer: GatenbySanderson
The University of Staffordshire is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and student success. As a leader in higher education, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our diverse student body while working in a supportive environment that values your insights and expertise.
