We are seeking an outstanding and experienced library and information professional to join our senior leadership team as Deputy Director of Library & Archives. This is a pivotal role within the University, acting as principal deputy to the University Librarian and contributing to the strategic direction, leadership, and management of Library and Archives services.
The role
The successful candidate will lead key portfolios spanning research and academic services and digital innovation, driving forward a modern, responsive, and future-focused service offer. This role combines high-level strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, requiring you to translate institutional priorities into effective, deliverable plans while ensuring services evolve in response to rapidly changing digital, open, and research-intensive environments.
You will play a central role in service transformation, ensuring the Library and Archives remain at the forefront of sector developments and meet the needs of an increasingly diverse academic community. Working closely with the University Librarian, you will contribute to organisational planning, governance, and performance management, while taking a leading role in workforce development. You will foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that supports colleagues to innovate, collaborate, and deliver excellent user-focused services.
The role also requires strong external engagement, maintaining awareness of sector trends and building partnerships that enhance the University’s profile and influence. You will represent the Library and Archives at institutional and sector level, contributing to discussions and initiatives that shape the future of academic libraries and archives.
What we’re looking for
You will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of managing complex service portfolios, particularly in research and academic services and digital innovation. You will bring substantial experience of leading change in a large, complex organisation and be confident in navigating competing priorities while maintaining clear strategic focus.
You will possess the credibility and professional standing to engage effectively with senior stakeholders across the University, including academic leaders, professional services colleagues, and external partners. A key strength will be your ability to build strong, productive relationships that enable cross-institutional collaboration and drive meaningful change.
The ideal candidate will have significant senior leadership experience within a library, archives, or related environment; a strong record of delivering strategic initiatives and service transformation; expertise in research support, academic services, and/or digital innovation; excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and a genuine commitment to inclusive leadership and staff development.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave, plus 8 statutory days and 4 shut down days over Christmas
- A competitive pension scheme
- Staff training
- Free eye care vouchers
- Discounts at Warwick Arts Centre and Warwick Sport Membership
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a complete support network that offers expert advice and guidance 24/7
For more information, visit the benefits page.
For further information to shape your application, the Job Description and Person Specification can be viewed here.
How to apply
The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; apply by submitting a cover letter and CV in Word Document format via the apply section below. Your application should be tailored to the Job Description and any gaps in employment history explained.
Interviews will be held on the University of Warwick campus on Friday 14th August.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, please submit your application as early as possible.