Technical Adviser – Loan Hub at University of Derby

Technical Adviser – Loan Hub at the University of Derby

Job Title

Technical Adviser – Loan Hub

College/Department

College of Health and Humanities

Location

Job Reference Number

0235-26

Job Grade

£30,577 to £32,455 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £37,323.25 per annum)

Reports To

Senior Technician: Photography and Media

Line Management Responsibility

No

Role Summary

To provide high-quality technical support for the operation of the Loan Hub, ensuring specialist equipment is available, maintained and managed to support teaching, learning, research and knowledge exchange activities across the school and wider University.

Working as part of the Technical Services team, the postholder will administer the day-to‑day operation of the Loan Hub and booking system, providing a professional equipment loan service, maintaining specialist equipment, supporting users with technical advice, and contributing to the efficient and safe operation of technical facilities.

The role requires sound technical knowledge, excellent organisational skills and a customer‑focused approach to support students, academic colleagues and external partners. The postholder will work independently within established procedures, using initiative to resolve routine technical issues while referring more complex matters to senior colleagues.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Organise, maintain and administer the Loan Hub, ensuring specialist equipment including photography, video, audio, lighting and multimedia resources are prepared, maintained and available to support teaching, learning, research and knowledge exchange activities. Maintain organised, secure and accessible equipment stores and liaise with Technical Advisers regarding shared equipment and facilities.
2. Ensure the efficient and safe operation of the Loan Hub by implementing University Health and Safety policies and procedures. Support safe working practices, undertake routine equipment inspections and testing (including PAT where qualified), report faults and hazards, and ensure equipment is issued and used in accordance with established procedures.
3. Provide technical assistance, guidance and demonstrations to support student learning and staff activities as agreed with the line manager. Deliver first‑line technical advice on the safe and effective use of specialist equipment, assist users with equipment selection and operation, and support practical teaching sessions, workshops and project activities where required.
4. Maintain accurate records of equipment assets, consumables, maintenance activities and equipment loans using the University’s booking and asset management systems. Monitor equipment availability, usage and condition to support effective service delivery.
5. Advise on procurement requirements by monitoring stock levels, identifying replacement or additional equipment and consumable needs, and assisting with the ordering, receipt and recording of equipment, materials, repairs and other technical resources in accordance with University procedures.
6. Assist with the supervision, induction and training of Student Employment Agency (SEA) staff, new technicians and trainee technical staff, providing day‑to‑day guidance and allocating routine tasks to support the effective operation of the Loan Hub.
7. Deputise for the Senior Technical Adviser, where required, in the day‑to‑day operational supervision of the Loan Hub, supporting workflow planning, equipment availability and the coordination of routine technical activities.
8. Act as a key point of contact for the Loan Hub, serving as the administrator for the equipment booking system. Provide professional support to staff, students, and external users with booking enquiries, manage equipment bookings, collections, and returns, maintain accurate booking records, and ensure the booking system is effectively administered while delivering a consistently high standard of customer service.
9. Participate in the University’s Performance and Development Review (PDR) process and undertake appropriate professional development to maintain and enhance technical knowledge of media technologies, equipment and systems.
10. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as required by the Senior Technical Adviser, Technical Team Leader or Technical Manager to support the effective operation of Technical Services and the School.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree in Photography, Film, Media Production, Audio, Multimedia or a related discipline, equivalent qualification or equivalent relevant experience

Experience

• Experience of working with professional media equipment
• Experience of providing technical support in a customer-facing environment
• Experience of equipment maintenance and basic fault diagnosis
• Experience of maintaining accurate records using computerised systems

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Knowledge of photographic, video, audio and lighting equipment
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet competing deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and equipment management systems
• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation applicable to technical environments
• Ability to handle equipment up to 20KG; adhering to health and safety policies
• Reliable and well organised
• Able to work independently and collaboratively

Business requirements

• Flexible approach to supporting operational requirements
• Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g., Graduation, Clearing and Open Days, (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends)

Qualifications

Experience

• Experience within Higher Education or Further Education
• Experience using equipment booking or asset management systems
• Experience supervising student assistants or temporary staff

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud
• Willingness to learn booking software

The University of Derby believes in providing choice to our people suited to their needs or life stages. Offering a number of salary sacrifice options, a generous holiday entitlement of 26 days plus bank holidays and 4 concessionary days and a host of family friendly policies, mean that splitting your time and finances can be easier. For those with prospective students in the household, we also offer tuition fee support to partners and children and, not forgetting you, we offer financial support for accredited learning.

Our competitive 'total reward' offering has something for everyone and looks to reward and recognise people in different ways.

Core to the package is a competitive pay structure and generous public‑sector pension schemes. Our pay structure allows for stepped progression in role and is reviewed against the market and, where applicable, awarding national pay awards annually. Further financial support is offered through our Financial Wellbeing Hub, not forgetting our generous pension contributions supporting your retirement fund within our Local Government Pension Scheme.

Wellbeing at Derby features within our benefits options from our Employee Assistance programme through to our eyecare voucher scheme, not to mention the discounted membership for our on‑site gym at our Kedleston Road campus. With our Inclusion and Wellbeing Networks, there really is support for everyone.

We also facilitate ‘Give as You Earn’ options to donate to your preferred charities straight from your pay which enhances the amount your charity receives for your donation.

At the University of Derby, we celebrate loyalty and achievements through our Staff Excellence Framework be it financially, or non‑financially. We aim to foster a culture of boldness and brilliance in our people, and from a simple thank you through to a local awards ceremony, we recognise and celebrate notable achievements of our colleagues.

The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Applicants may choose their preferred title, including 'Mx', and may share preferred pronouns if they wish. We also use anonymised shortlisting to help reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias. For more information on equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Derby, please visit our website .

We are also committed to promoting academic freedom and freedom of speech and expression within the law, in line with our Code of Practice , and value diversity of thought alongside diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

However you identify, we welcome applications from people whose experiences, perspectives and talents will contribute to our inclusive, supportive and intellectually vibrant community.