Library Systems Support Team Leader
Are you interested in delivering systems that enable and underpin the operations of one of the largest and most complex library networks in Higher Education? Are you confident in working across departments, and working with a range of senior colleagues, in order to analyse and understand strategic objectives and business requirements and to translate these into the day-to-day operations of a Library Systems team and the continuous improvement of the systems that they deliver and support?
If so, then the Library Systems Support Team Leader role could be for you!
This role is pivotal to the successful delivery of specialist library systems and services which support teaching, learning and research across the collegiate University through a network of 93 libraries. The systems mainly comprise of Ex Libris’s product suite of Alma, Alma Digital, Primo VE and Leganto, but there are numerous integrations and unique requirements at Oxford that require in-house systems or scripts to be developed and supported.
The configuration of this complex combination of systems necessitates that the Library Systems Team comprise of a combination of Systems Librarians and Systems Engineers. This means that the team managed by the Team Leader role will have both in depth and specific technical skills but also specialist knowledge of library operations and how those operations work in an Oxford context.
The post, and Library Systems Team, are based in the Bodleian Digital Library Systems and Services (BDLSS) department of the Bodleian Libraries, which also has specialist teams focussed on the development and support of Digital Bodleian and ORA (Oxford Research Archive).
Reporting to the Head of Library Systems, you will focus on task and resource management of the team in order to deliver the essential BAU activities but also actively participate in strategic discussions and the development of new or enhancement of new services, enabling you to develop strong collaborative relationships across the Bodleian and partner libraries. Project based initiatives will emerge from these discussions and often create competing priorities that will need to be managed and communicated effectively.
This is a permanent, full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week.
This position supports a hybrid office/remote working arrangement, typically allowing for an average of 3 days per week working from home, though as a Team leader you will be expected to be in the office when required for key discussions and meetings and to support your team.
About You
You will be able to demonstrate significant experience in management a systems team, ideally within a large and complex Higher Education environment such as Oxford. This experience will include the implementation of new systems or technologies but crucially the continuous improvement of these systems in response to business objectives and emerging technologies.
Excellent communication, presentation, and written skills, including the ability to deliver presentations on options and recommended solutions for different stakeholders, both within and outside the University with suppliers or other institutions, is also essential.
Alongside team management skills, you will also be able to demonstrate experience of building relationships across the business in order to enable effective discussions and decision making to take place, especially in situations where political or hierarchical issues threaten progress.
As an employer, the University of Oxford genuinely cares about their employees’ wellbeing, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that they offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
Diversity
The University of Oxford’s staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.
The University of Oxford aims to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be James Dodd, Head of Library Systems, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (james.dodd@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within the Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Friday 10 January 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in person on 22-23 January 2025.
