Shape the future of student learning, skills and engagement at the University of Staffordshire

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.

The 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.

Interested?

For further details, please contact Jacqueline Lau - jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
9am, Monday 27th July 2026

Long listing
w/c 3rd August 2026

Preliminary interviews
Virtual with GatenbySanderson - From 5th - 12th August 2026

Short listing
w/c 17th August 2026

Final panel
27th, 28th, 31st August or 1st September 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com