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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Southend Library Service, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority dedicated to improving community lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while working at a state-of-the-art library.
- Qualifications: Experience in library services and team management is essential; adaptability is key.
- Other info: Flexibility in working hours required, with occasional Saturday and evening shifts.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend City Council has a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Library manager to join the Southend Libraries team on a full time and permanent basis. As a member of the Library Management team, you will play a pivotal role in leading the operational delivery of the Southend Library Service.
There are 6 library locations across Southend, including the main library provision at the Forum. The Forum is a unique partnership which has brought together a state-of-the-art library, cultural and learning facilities to the heart of Southend City Centre. By pooling resources in this way, the three partners can offer residents and students alike unprecedented access to the books, archives and records they jointly hold.
This full-time role will be primarily based at the Forum but the postholder will work collaboratively with the other Senior Library Manager across the whole service. You will have direct line management responsibility for the operational library at the Forum, and on occasion will deputise for the Library Operations Group Manager. You will lead, manage, motivate, train and develop all frontline operational library staff, to ensure all customers receive a welcoming reception and a high quality and enjoyable experience.
What you\’ll need to succeed
This is a key role in supporting the partnership between the council, University of Essex and South Essex Colleges Group. Experience of managing complex relationships will be essential. The postholder will be required to have a background in delivering library services, along with experience of managing and leading teams within an ever changing environment. Your problem solving skills will be put to the test on a daily basis and you will need to have a future focussed approach that can easily respond to different and changing demands. You will have a positive attitude and will be able to adapt to the pace of change. The Forum Southend is open for 64 hours each week over 6 days.
As a result, flexibility will be required in working hours, which will primarily be worked Monday – Friday but will include the occasional Saturday and evenings. There may also be occasions where you will be required to work at other library locations within the City , for which you will be required to be mobile and move around the City. You will have good working knowledge of Health & Safety at Work policies, Risk Assessments, DSE Assessments, Manual Handling Assessments etc.
What you\’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the \”Why Work For Us?\” tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click \’apply online\’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Application Deadline: 28th AugustInterview Dates: Friday 12th and Monday 15th Sept.
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
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R2R103458 - 105319 - Senior Library Manager employer: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Contact Detail:
Southend-on-Sea City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103458 - 105319 - Senior Library Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Southend Libraries team and their current projects. Understanding their initiatives and challenges will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Southend on Sea City Council, especially those in library services. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex relationships and leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenges, as this role requires strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your adaptability and flexibility in a changing environment. Consider how you can illustrate your ability to respond to different demands, as this is a key aspect of the Senior Library Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103458 - 105319 - Senior Library Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Senior Library Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in managing library services and leading teams.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in delivering library services and managing complex relationships. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in dynamic environments.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities by including examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will show your future-focused approach and adaptability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southend-on-Sea City Council
✨Understand the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with Southend on Sea City Council's mission and values. Knowing how they serve the community and their approach to local government will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Library Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in dynamic environments, to illustrate your leadership style.
✨Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of specific challenges you've faced in library management and how you overcame them. This will show your capability to adapt and respond to changing demands.
✨Discuss Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the role's requirement for flexibility in working hours and locations, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Share experiences where you've successfully adjusted to new situations or schedules.
