Academic Liaison Manager

Manchester Metropolitan University – Library Services

Are you a people-manager committed to inclusive practice and empowering teams?

Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that champions student success?

Are you passionate about academic engagement, ready to build impactful relationships and drive innovative library services?

Now is an exciting time to join Library & Cultural Services. We are embarking on an ambitious plan to reimagine our profile and portfolio, including the design and construction of a landmark new building, in support of the University's Road to 2030 strategy. If you can lead with authenticity, foster a shared culture of innovation, and evidence real impact through student voice and performance metrics, this is your opportunity as Academic Liaison Manager.

About us

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Academic Engagement and Teaching Services, you will lead a team of Academic Liaison Librarians and manage the Student Partner programme, creating meaningful student co‑creation opportunities that shape service development.

You'll build proactive relationships with faculties, departments, and key stakeholders to understand teaching, learning and research priorities. Working collaboratively with academic colleagues you will ensure collections, learning support and academic liaison activity remains current, relevant and value driven.

A key part of the role is leading data‑informed service and collection development, using performance measures, analytics, student voice and faculty insights to evidence impact and contribute to wider university priorities, including NSS and TEF.

About you

You will:

• Bring excellent leadership skills and a strong track record of motivating high‑performing teams through inclusive and supportive line management.
• Be skilled at building trust, navigating complexity and fostering a collegiate, innovative culture.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, influencing and communication skills, adapting confidently to change.
• Have experience of service innovation, including effective use of digital tools and emerging technologies (such as AI).
• Use evidence to drive decision‑making and demonstrate impact.
• Champion inclusion, user‑centred design and partnership working.
• Excel at building relationships that deliver positive outcomes for students and academic colleagues.

For more information on the role and the selection criteria please find the Job Description on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button.

Further information and how to apply

Applications should be submitted via our recruitment portal. Please click 'Apply'to begin your application and upload your CV.

You will then be asked to respond to five key questions in the "Supporting Information" section of the application form. For each question, please ensure you provide one specific example from your experience (maximum 500 words per statement), using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Where possible, examples should relate to library or Higher Education contexts.

To explore the post or to ask any questions you may have, please contact Lesley English, Head of Academic Engagement and Teaching Services, at L.English@mmu.ac.uk.

Please note: Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place 12 May 2026 (12/05/36).

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 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.