Head of Open Research in Manchester

Are you a visionary leader with deep expertise in digital library services, a passion for innovation and the drive to deliver transformative change across our service and user experience? We are seeking an exceptional Head of Open Research Services to join our ambitious and evolving Library and Cultural Services.

About the opportunity

This is your chance to lead transformation and contribute to the Manchester Met Research Strategy. You will:

• Provide expert advice and guidance in open research, particularly in relation to open access publishing, research data management and research intelligence.
• Lead on developing institutional capacity for public engagement with research.
• Contribute to the senior leadership group, driving change and delivering impact.

About you

You are a confident, creative leader who understands the innovative possibilities for library and cultural services. You will bring senior experience in a library, research or cultural collections environment and deep expertise in open research. With a proven track record in effective services for researchers, you combine a passion for innovation and stakeholder engagement with the ability to inspire teams, shape strategy and collaborate across the University and the wider sector.

Library and Cultural Services is ambitious, agile and bold. We are resourceful and passionate about providing an evolving service that is valued and celebrated by the University's 43,000 students and 5,000 staff. Excellence, innovation and an outstanding user experience drive everything we do. Joining us, you'll be welcomed into an ambitious, collaborative and inclusive team.

With our Library Transformation Programme underway, including a new library building, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our service.

Get in touch

If you are excited by developing sector leading services for researchers, this is your chance to make a real impact, and we'd love to hear from you. To explore the post or to ask any questions, please contact Emma Thompson, Associate Director Education & Research, at e.thompson@mmu.ac.uk.

Further information and how to apply

Hybrid working is offered for this role, where you will be able to work a proportion of time on campus and a proportion remotely. We recognise the benefits and importance of a culture that supports flexible working and are open to conversations throughout the application process.

Please submit your application by clicking "apply" and upload your CV along with a Cover Letter that outlines your suitability to the role. Please note, we may not consider applications that have not provided both their CV and Cover Letter in their application.

Equality and diversity commitment

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.