Senior Library Manager - Knowledge and Information Management
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) at the OU. You will be at the forefront of embedding Knowledge and Information Management as a service across the entire University—helping to design, influence, and implement consistent and effective approaches to managing information and knowledge as a strategic asset. As part of this work, the role will also explore and support the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and automation to enhance information discovery, classification, search, governance, and knowledge‑sharing practices. Working within the Knowledge and Information Management team and reporting to the Associate Director, you will lead the operational delivery of Knowledge and Information Management services while shaping the long‑term operational model, frameworks, and culture that will influence the University for years to come.
About the Role
This role is situated within the Knowledge and Information Management team at the Open University, reporting to the Associate Director of KIM. The Senior Library Manager will provide strategic direction, operational leadership, and expert guidance on KIM practices, including AI and information governance, to support the University's mission of widening access to higher education. The position requires close collaboration with IT, Digital Services, and various institutional stakeholders to deliver high‑quality, customer‑focused KIM services.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Developmental Responsibilities:
* Shape and embed the OU’s emerging KIM service model, helping define best practice for information governance, records management, and knowledge‑sharing across the organisation.
* Contribute to KIM strategy, policies, standards, and frameworks, including those relating to the responsible adoption of AI and automation in information management.
* Act as a champion for cultural change, supporting colleagues in adopting digital, data‑driven, and AI‑enabled ways of working.
Operational Leadership:
* Lead, manage, and support the KIM operational team, ensuring the delivery of a high‑quality and customer‑focused service.
* Oversee information and knowledge governance enquiries, and routine operational workflows.
* Ensure consistent, timely, and accurate KIM advice is provided across the University.
Information Governance, AI & Compliance:
* Provide expert advice on information governance related to Knowledge and Information Management, AI‑assisted information handling, and responsible use of AI tools.
* Support information risk management activities, including risk assessments and mitigation planning relating to AI‑generated content and automated processes.
* Prepare reports, metrics, and insights for governance groups and audits.
Knowledge Management Capability:
* Support the Associate Director (Knowledge and Information Management) to develop and implement knowledge management strategy, governance and performance metrics.
* Develop a network of Knowledge Management champions across the organisation to support operational delivery.
* Design Knowledge Management advocacy activities to gain cross‑institutional endorsement and support.
Systems, Tools & Digital Improvement:
* Work closely with IT, Information Rights and Digital Services to enhance the use of M365, SharePoint, Teams, and AI‑enabled features such as automated classification, intelligent search, and metadata enrichment.
* Support training and communications to help staff adopt new tools and responsible AI practices.
Stakeholder Engagement:
* Build strong relationships with faculties, directorates, projects, and services, acting as the primary point of contact for KIM.
* Ensure KIM support is contextualised, meaningful, and accessible to diverse business needs.
About You
Essential criteria:
* Experience delivering Knowledge and Information Management, Information Governance, or Records Management services.
* Developing and implementing the practice of Knowledge and Information Management in a complex organisation.
* Strong understanding of information legislation, governance, and information lifecycle principles.
* Experience leading teams and delivering services in a complex environment.
* Ability to influence, guide, and support cultural change.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to support non‑specialists.
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* Awareness of emerging digital and AI opportunities and risks in knowledge and information management, including responsible and compliant use.
Desirable criteria:
* Experience working in higher education or public‑sector contexts.
* Knowledge of M365 information governance features.
* Experience contributing to policy development or supporting audits.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Working Location
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be 1 day per month (on a rota basis) as well as other ad hoc on campus meetings as and when required. Full‑time working based from our Milton Keynes site is also supported if this is preferred by the candidate. Expenses associated with travel to our Milton Keynes site are not reimbursable.
Open University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all under‑represented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
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