Library Manager - Manchester

Department: Provost

Location: Manchester

Type of Contract: Permanent - Full Time

Salary: £40,000 - £42,500

What We Do: Our Library Team  supports our students and staff by providing access to academic resources, expert guidance and creating welcoming, well equipped spaces that foster independent study, collaboration and academic success. 

Our Vision: Changing Lives through Education

The Role: In this role you will be able to lead a library that is at the forefront of academic excellence. You can drive strategic initiatives that support research, teaching and learning ensuring that our library is a dynamic hub of knowledge and collaboration. This  is your chance to shape the library that transforms students and their learning experience!

The Library Manager provides operational leadership for campus library services, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and academic needs. The role includes overseeing service delivery, managing staffing and resources, liaising with the different library teams and academic departments, and driving continuous improvement across physical and digital provision. They play a key role in shaping service strategy, supporting curriculum integration, and enhancing the library’s contribution to student success and institutional reputation. 

A key part of the role is leading the collection, analysis, and reporting of library-related data to support evidence-based decision-making, compliance, and service enhancement. This includes maintaining systems for usage monitoring, tracking KPIs, and training staff on data collection processes.

The role also requires flexibility, including occasional late evening and weekend work, to meet service needs. 

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship!

What the Role Involves:

• The Library Manager leads on staff development, performance management, and stakeholder engagement, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and responsiveness. 
• Lead and manage the library team, including recruitment, supervision, performance management, and professional development.
• Develop and implement library strategies, policies, and service standards aligned with GBS’s academic priorities.
• Oversee the delivery of frontline services, digital resource access, and user engagement across all library functions.
• Manage library systems and platforms including FOLIO, Moodle, and EDSCO Discovery Service, ensuring integration and optimisation.
• Ensure effective access to academic databases such as CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and others, including licensing and usage monitoring.
• Lead the development and delivery of information literacy programmes and research support services.
• Monitor and evaluate library performance through data analysis, feedback, and benchmarking.
• Manage library budgets, procurement, and resource allocation.
• Lead planning and implementation of library events, campaigns, and outreach initiatives.
• Lead the collection, analysis, and reporting of library usage data, ensuring accurate KPI monitoring and using insights to drive continuous service improvement 
• Analyse usage data and feedback to inform service improvements and resource development.
• Rotate between multiple campuses as required to cover absences and staffing issues.

• Professional qualification in Library and Information Science or equivalent. 
• Significant experience in academic library management or leadership. 
• Strong knowledge of library systems, digital platforms, and academic databases. 
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage change effectively. 
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Experience in budget management and service evaluation. 

Desirable:

• Experience working in a Higher Education library or educational setting. 
• Experience with FOLIO, Moodle, and EBSCO platforms. 
• Familiarity with subject-specific resources in health, business, or computing. 
• Knowledge of inclusive and accessible service design. 
• Experience in cross-institutional collaboration or external partnerships. 

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
• 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
• Workplace pension scheme
• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
• Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
• Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
• Reward and recognition programme
• £500 award employee referral scheme
• Discretionary annual performance bonus 

“GBS has been a good place for professional growth. I have received great support from managers and colleagues who have encouraged me to develop new skills and take on more senior roles. Their mentorship has been invaluable to help me advance in my career.”

— Barbara Vargas (Professional Services Employee)