Senior Library Manager - Records Management

About the role

Weekly Working Hours: 37 Change your career, change lives The Open University is the UK's largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link). About the Role This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development and delivery of the University's records management function at a pivotal time. The Records Manager will play a central role in embedding modern, efficient, and compliant records practices across the OU, helping shape how the University manages its physical and digital records for the future. The role includes leading the design, improvement, and promotion of consistent records lifecycle processes, and supporting the responsible adoption of emerging technologies-such as AI‑driven classification, intelligent search, and automated retention-to enhance recordkeeping capability. Working within the Knowledge and Information Management team, you will influence and shape service development, engage widely across faculties and directorates, and support the OU in meeting statutory, regulatory, and operational requirements. Take a tour of our Open University Library Building by watching this short video . Key Responsibilities Strategy, Service Development & Emerging Technologies: Shape and develop the OU's records management service, ensuring alignment with organisational needs and regulatory requirements. Lead work to modernise records practices, including the adoption of AI‑enabled tools for classification, metadata enrichment, automated retention, and improved search and retrieval Contribute to KIM strategy, policies, retention schedules, and standards, ensuring they remain relevant in a digital and AI‑enhanced operating environment. Operational Leadership: Oversee day‑to‑day delivery of records management services, ensuring consistency, quality, and customer‑focused support. Lead the development, review, and implementation of records lifecycle processes including creation, capture, storage, access, retention, and disposal. Support and advise business areas on recordkeeping best practice, ensuring compliance and efficient working. Information Governance, Compliance & Risk: Provide expert advice on records management legislation, standards, and good practice, including digital preservation considerations. Support information risk management activities, including risks relating to digital records, automated tools, and AI‑generated content. Prepare operational reports, compliance insights, and audits. Systems, M365 & SharePoint: Work closely with IT, Digital, and business areas to optimise the use of M365 and SharePoint as core recordkeeping platforms. Help design and maintain structures, metadata models, and retention configurations within M365 to support compliant, user‑friendly recordkeeping. Promote and support the adoption of M365 and SharePoint capabilities including retention labels, sensitivity labels, automated governance features, and AI‑driven search improvements. Stakeholder Engagement & Training: Work closely with the Information Rights and Information Security teams to develop a Records Management function. Build strong relationships with business areas, helping them adopt better recordkeeping and understand their responsibilities. Develop and deliver training, guidance, and communications to build confidence and capability across the OU. About You Essential criteria: Proven experience in records management within a complex organisation. Demonstrable understanding of records management principles, retention scheduling, metadata, data protection and digital recordkeeping practices. Experience working with M365 and/or SharePoint for information management. Ability to design and improve records processes and influence cultural change. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Demonstrable organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple 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, public sector, or similarly complex environments. Knowledge of information security and digital preservation. Experience supporting audits and policy development. Support with your application If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number. 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 Sta

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