Director of Digital and Library Services

Cardiff Metropolitan University is enjoying a highly successful period of growth and diversification as its reputation, student recruitment and finances have all improved significantly in recent years. In 2020, the University was named The Sunday Times ‘Welsh University of the Year 2021’; in 2021 it became The Times Higher Education ‘UK and Ireland University of the Year 2022’; and in 2022 it was ranked the top university in the UK in the People and Planet Green League.

The University has grown by more than 50% over the last five years, from under £100m turnover to over £150m (forecast) this year. With strong values and a focus on its people, Cardiff Met’s staff placed it as Capita’s top ‘Employer of Choice’ among UK universities in 2019 and in 2022 the University’s staff engagement score was the highest in the sector (People Insight). The Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2022 placed Cardiff Met top in Wales, the University is consistently placed in the top 10% of UK universities for graduate start-ups, and the 2022 Postgraduate Research Excellence Survey ranked the University Number 1 in the UK for resources and support.

The University is currently finalising a Master Plan with ambitions to invest circa £150m in the estate. The role holder will be responsible for identifying and implementing the elements of this development that will enhance digital, IT and library services and infrastructure for staff and students, both in their learning and wider experience.

The appointee will assume a key senior leadership position within the University and be a member of the Academic Board, reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Engagement and to the Board of Governors. They will be an enterprising, innovative, creative and effective ambassador who is equally adept at developing internal relationships as liaising with external stakeholders.

The appointee will be accountable for the professional leadership and management of a team of 110 staff across two campuses, comprising the Digital team (45 staff across Digital, IT Helpdesk, AV Advisory Services, IT Training, Desktop Services, IT infrastructure, Networking Services, Storage Services, Telephony, Cyber and IT Security, Data, Disaster Recovery, Systems Development and Integration) and the Library Services team (65 staff across Support, Digital and Physical Learning Resources, Academic Skills, Openly Accessible Learning and Research).

They will work closely with Academic Schools and Professional Services to develop a revised Digital Strategy aligned to the 2022-2030 university strategy. Through this, the postholder will ensure that the university’s culture, systems, processes, estate, and technology are enhanced by effective use of digital infrastructure to support the delivery of the Strategic Plan and ambition of becoming a top 50 UK university by 2030.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture, offering family friendly and flexible working arrangements, and a range of staff networks and events to support and develop staff. We welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

The closing date for this post is Friday 31st March 2023.

Odgers Berndtson, an executive search firm, have been appointed to assist with this competition. The preferred method of application is online,please click here to apply. All applications will be acknowledged. To discuss the role in confidence with one of the Odgers Berndtson Wales team, please call 02920 783 050 or email us at odgerswalespractice@odgersberndtson.com.