Technical Adviser – Loan Hub

We're looking for an organised and proactive Technical Adviser to join our Technical Services team and play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our Loan Hub. This is an exciting opportunity to support teaching, learning, research and creative practice by ensuring specialist equipment is available, maintained and ready for use.

As Technical Adviser, you'll be responsible for managing the Loan Hub, providing an efficient equipment loan service and supporting students, staff and external partners with expert technical advice. From preparing cameras, lighting and audio equipment to maintaining accurate booking records and ensuring equipment is safe and ready for use, you'll help deliver a professional, reliable and customer-focused service.

Working independently within established procedures, you'll use your technical expertise and initiative to resolve routine issues while working closely with the wider Technical Services team to support practical teaching, workshops, research and knowledge exchange activities.

Principal Accountabilities:

Organise, maintain and administer the Loan Hub, ensuring specialist equipment including photography, video, audio, lighting and multimedia resources are prepared, maintained and available to support teaching, learning, research and knowledge exchange activities. Maintain organised, secure and accessible equipment stores and liaise with Technical Advisers regarding shared equipment and facilities.

Ensure the efficient and safe operation of the Loan Hub by implementing University Health and Safety policies and procedures. Support safe working practices, undertake routine equipment inspections and testing (including PAT where qualified), report faults and hazards, and ensure equipment is issued and used in accordance with established procedures.

Provide technical assistance, guidance and demonstrations to support student learning and staff activities as agreed with the line manager. Deliver first-line technical advice on the safe and effective use of specialist equipment, assist users with equipment selection and operation, and support practical teaching sessions, workshops and project activities where required.

Maintain accurate records of equipment assets, consumables, maintenance activities and equipment loans using the University's booking and asset management systems. Monitor equipment availability, usage and condition to support effective service delivery.

Advise on procurement requirements by monitoring stock levels, identifying replacement or additional equipment and consumable needs, and assisting with the ordering, receipt and recording of equipment, materials, repairs and other technical resources in accordance with University procedures.

Assist with the supervision, induction and training of Student Employment Agency (SEA) staff, new technicians and trainee technical staff, providing day-to-day guidance and allocating routine tasks to support the effective operation of the Loan Hub.

Deputise for the Senior Technical Adviser, where required, in the day-to-day operational supervision of the Loan Hub, supporting workflow planning, equipment availability and the coordination of routine technical activities.

Act as a key point of contact for the Loan Hub, serving as the administrator for the equipment booking system. Provide professional support to staff, students, and external users with booking enquiries, manage equipment bookings, collections, and returns, maintain accurate booking records, and ensure the booking system is effectively administered while delivering a consistently high standard of customer service.

Participate in the University's Performance and Development Review (PDR) process and undertake appropriate professional development to maintain and enhance technical knowledge of media technologies, equipment and systems.

Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as required by the Senior Technical Adviser, Technical Team Leader or Technical Manager to support the effective operation of Technical Services and the School.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications: Undergraduate Degree in Photography, Film, Media Production, Audio, Multimedia or a related discipline, equivalent qualification or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience: Experience of working with professional media equipment; experience of providing technical support in a customer-facing environment; experience of equipment maintenance and basic fault diagnosis; experience of maintaining accurate records using computerised systems.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Knowledge of photographic, video, audio and lighting equipment; good organisational and time management skills; ability to prioritise workload and meet competing deadlines; good communication and interpersonal skills; good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and equipment management systems; understanding of Health and Safety legislation applicable to technical environments; ability to handle equipment up to 20KG adhering to health and safety policies; customer focused; reliable and well organised; able to work independently and collaboratively.

Business Requirements: Flexible approach to supporting operational requirements; willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g. Graduation, Clearing and Open Days (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends).

Desirable Criteria:

Qualifications: PAT Testing qualification.

Experience: Experience within Higher Education or Further Education; experience using equipment booking or asset management systems; experience supervising student assistants or temporary staff.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud; willingness to learn booking software.

Benefits:

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata); Local Government Pension Scheme; suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme; access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers; discounted onsite gym; Cycle to Work scheme; a flexible working environment; a commitment to personal and professional development.