Digital Systems Coordinator (Digitisation + Training) in Manchester

The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and digital) help us to deliver a world class library and information service for the University of Manchester. We sit at the heart of the University experience for both learning and research and are fully committed to widening access to our expertise, collections and services, through our electronic resources and digital interfaces.

The University of Manchester Library is recruiting a Digital Systems Coordinator (Digitisation and Training) to join the Digitisation and Digital Preservation Team within Digital Reach. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference by helping colleagues transform unique physical collections into accessible digital resources that inspire research, enrich teaching and connect people with our cultural heritage.

Working alongside the Digital Preservation and Systems Manager, you will provide specialist support, training and practical guidance for the Library’s digitisation systems, platforms, equipment and workflows. You will be responsible for:

• Support the day-to-day operation of digitisation systems, equipment and interfaces used to create, manage, preserve and display digital content.
• Provide advice, practical guidance and training to Library colleagues on digitisation workflows, equipment use, metadata creation, system processes and digital preservation.
• Promote good practice in digital preservation processes and workflows, in line with relevant standards and service requirements.
• Develop, maintain and improve standard operating procedures, user guidance and support materials for digitisation systems and services.
• Coordinate with colleagues, IT Services and suppliers to support the acquisition, deployment, maintenance and troubleshooting of digitisation equipment and related systems.
• Support digitisation projects by helping to plan, monitor and deliver technical activities in line with agreed priorities, standards and deadlines.
• Create, check and advise on metadata in appropriate formats to support discovery, reuse and long-term management of digitised collections.
• Monitor service activity and prepare reports, statistics and information to inform service development, decision making and continuous improvement.
• Build effective working relationships across the Library, the wider University and relevant external organisations to support digitisation and digital collections activity.
• Keep up to date with developments in digitisation, digital collections systems, digital preservation and service support, sharing knowledge with colleagues.

You will provide a high-quality, user-focused service. Your communication skills will help you work effectively with Library colleagues, IT Services, external suppliers and partners across the University. We are looking for someone with good IT and digital skills, strong organisational ability and a problem‑solving approach. You should be able to learn, support and explain specialist systems and workflows, provide guidance to colleagues with different levels of technical confidence, and maintain accurate records. Knowledge of digitisation workflows, metadata, digital preservation and service support will be important, alongside experience of supporting systems, software, equipment or web platforms in a service‑focused environment.

An academic, vocational or professional qualification relevant to the role, or equivalent practical experience in a digital, technical, library, archive, museum, cultural heritage or service support environment, is required. You should also be willing to work flexibly in response to reasonable operational requirements, including working at different Library sites when required, and show a commitment to continuous learning in digitisation, digital collections, digital preservation and service support.

As a first element of the shortlisting process, we will assess applications against the person specification in the job description. Please clearly explain how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the essential criteria, using examples where possible.

The Library operates within a Hybrid Working Framework and this role is categorised as fully Hybrid. This will typically involve working a number of days a week on campus but with the option of some remote working. The days working on campus may vary week to week as required.

The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Our University is positive about flexible working.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

• An academic, vocational or professional qualification relevant to the role, or equivalent practical experience in a digital, technical, library, archive, museum, cultural heritage or service support environment.
• Understanding of digitisation workflows, digital object production and the systems used to create, manage, preserve and display digital collections.
• Experience of supporting systems, software, equipment or web platforms ideally used in digitisation or digital collections services.
• Clear written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to provide guidance and training to colleagues with different levels of technical confidence.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines and maintain accurate records.

We value transferable skills and real‑world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution.
• Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays.
• Purple Place employee discount platform.

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date.