Associate Director and Head of Research and Academic Services (107953-1025)

For an informal discussion, please contact Jayne Borondy on j.borondy@searchhigher.com

Flexible Working 

• We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

The Associate Director will lead the development and delivery of innovative, effective, relevant and cost-efficient library services to support learning and teaching, open research, scholarly communication and research data management. They will work in partnership with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies, plans and policies that set a coherent and achievable vision, directly contributing to the delivery of the University’s Education and Research strategy.

The post holder will ensure the delivery of timely and actionable research output data to support executive level decision making. They will manage risk in relation to open access compliance and contribute to research assessment exercises.

It has never been a better time to join the University, our careful financial management means that we are still investing and growing to deliver excellence in our teaching, learning and research and we are delighted that this has been recognised through our recent awards:

• 7 in The Guardian University Guide 2026
• 8 in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2026
• University of the Year in the Midlands
• Highly Commended Russell Group University of the Year.

With extensive experience at a senior level in a library or similar you will have a high level of understanding of the UK higher education sector and the key issues facing research led libraries.

With a strong customer focus you will be able to think both analytically and creatively and have experience of engaging both nationally and internationally in the field of library and information services.  

A collaborative and effective leader, you will support and motivate staff, interacting strategically with senior colleagues across the academic and professional services community.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**. 

Nestled in the heart of England, the University of Warwick is a gateway to the whole of the country, offering exceptional rail and road links and only 15 mins from Birmingham International airport. With easy access to the vibrant, diverse conurbations of Coventry, Birmingham, Leicester and Oxford or the smaller heritage and arts laden towns of Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa, Warwick and Kenilworth there is something for everyone. You will also have easy access to three areas of outstanding national beauty, the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills and Cannock Chase. 

Working on campus you will have easy access to facilities such as Warwick Arts Centre, one of the largest multi-artform venues in the UK, delivering a high quality, engaging, and diverse programme of performing and visual arts, concerts, films, festivals, education and learning activities, and special events - all presented in world-class venues and spaces. 

In addition, our world-class Sports and Wellbeing Hub opened in 2019. The hub houses a modern 230 station gym, a 25m 12-lane swimming pool, over 100 fitness classes and a 706sqm climbing wall. 

Our campus also has huge amounts of green space to enjoy, including lakes, woodland and open fields. 

You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed. 

With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students.

Find out more about the benefits of working here. 

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*

Find out more about us on our website.

* QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 30th November 2025 at 23:55 (GMT)

Please Click here to apply.

You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

• Interview Date: 11th December 2025
• Start Date: To be confirmed 

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via SearchHigher will be considered.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.