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Operations Assistant

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Building Care and Operations Assistant – John Rylands Library

University of Manchester

Job Reference: PSX-032212
Location: John Rylands Library, Manchester
Salary: £26,093 – £26,707 per annum pro rata, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 16 hours per week
Working Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Working Hours: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Closing Date: 17 September 2026
Department: The University of Manchester Library
Team: Special Collections
Grade: Grades 1–5

About the Role

The University of Manchester Library is seeking a Building Care and Operations Assistant to join the team responsible for the cleaning, portering and operational support of the historic Grade 1 listed John Rylands Library.

The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third-largest academic library in the UK. Its extensive print and digital collections support world-class learning, research and information services.

This role provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the care and operation of one of Manchester’s most important library and heritage buildings.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support the delivery of consistently high standards of building care and operational support, including:

  • Cleaning and conservation-related duties.
  • Portering and general building support.
  • Supporting maintenance activities.
  • Moving furniture and other large items around the building.
  • Using relevant machinery and equipment.
  • Working safely with ladders and other equipment.
  • Supporting contractors and contractor management activities.
  • Providing operational support for events and activities.
  • Supporting building security and day-to-day operations.
  • Helping protect the historic building and its collections.

Training and Development

In-house training will be provided in conservation cleaning methods.

The successful applicant will play an active role in helping to protect the John Rylands Library building and its valuable collections while developing practical skills in building care and operational support.

What the University Is Looking For

The University is looking for someone who:

  • Is enthusiastic and committed to delivering high standards.
  • Works effectively as part of a team.
  • Has good communication skills.
  • Can cope with the physical demands of an active role.
  • Is comfortable using machinery and equipment.
  • Can safely use ladders where required.
  • Is able to move furniture and other large items.
  • Can work reliably across the required Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday schedule.
  • Takes care and safety seriously when working in a historic environment.

Working Pattern

This is a part-time permanent position offering 16 hours per week.

The working pattern is:

  • Tuesday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Thursday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Salary and Benefits

The salary is £26,093 – £26,707 per annum pro rata, depending on experience.

Benefits include:

  • Generous employer pension contribution.
  • Christmas closure across departments, outside annual leave and bank holidays.
  • Purple Place employee discount platform.
  • In-house training in conservation cleaning methods.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is NOT eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

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If you require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role, this vacancy is therefore not suitable.

Location

John Rylands Library
The University of Manchester
Manchester, UK

The role is based within the historic John Rylands Library and involves active building-care and operational duties.

Application Deadline

17 September 2026

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further Information

Further particulars, including the full person specification, are available in the supporting job documentation.

Enquiries About the Role

Rebecca Winstanley
Email: rebecca.winstanley@manchester.ac.uk

General Enquiries

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the University of Manchester Jobs portal before the application deadline.

University of Manchester:
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/

Important Notice

This vacancy has been reproduced and arranged for easier reading. Applicants should check the official University of Manchester vacancy and supporting documents for the complete job description, person specification, eligibility requirements and application instructions.

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