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- Tasks: Lead and manage innovative library services across Birmingham, including mobile and prison libraries.
- Company: Join Birmingham Library Service, a community-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing library access for diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing community services and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team dedicated to continuous improvement and community welfare.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 53460 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Birmingham Library Service, delivering library services across the whole of Birmingham. You will manage the Mobile Library Service, Library Services at Home (LSaH), and the Prison Library Service at HMP Birmingham, focusing on individuals who cannot visit Birmingham’s network of physical libraries. All three services are crucial to delivering a comprehensive library service to people who live, work or study in Birmingham.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Mobile Library Service, Library Services at Home, and the Prison Library Service at HMP Birmingham.
- Oversee staff and volunteers, resource allocation and budgeting for each service, including library materials and vehicles.
- Deliver and monitor high-quality customer service, ensuring user satisfaction.
- Evaluate service effectiveness, produce reports, and propose continual improvements.
- Develop and implement long-term continuous service development plans to meet current and future needs of citizens.
- Coordinate with the HM Prison Service to manage a service level agreement for the Prison Library Service.
- Support the transformation of community library services, ensuring statutory mitigation for reduced opening hours and closures.
- Represent Birmingham Library Service in promotional activities with children and adults.
Qualifications
- Experience managing library or similar community services, especially with diverse communities.
- Strong communication skills and confidence using digital and online technologies.
- Proven people-focused leadership, flexible, and able to handle change.
- Ability to work as part of a small team and delegate responsibilities effectively.
- Experience with resource, budget, and service level agreement management is preferred.
- Background in statutory library services for excluded populations is an advantage.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and service development.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer and is committed to employing, retaining and developing all of its people. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken. Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Library Services Manager in Birmingham employer: Birmingham City Council
Contact Detail:
Birmingham City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Services Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the library services field, especially those connected to Birmingham Library Service. Attend local events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in managing library services and working with diverse communities. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you handle change. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Library Services Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Library Services Manager. We want to see how you can lead and manage services effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing staff and volunteers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your people-focused leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in community or library services.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Strong communication is key for this position. We recommend including specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, whether it was in managing a project or engaging with diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Birmingham Library Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨Know Your Services Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Mobile Library Service, Library Services at Home, and the Prison Library Service. Familiarise yourself with their goals, challenges, and how they serve the community. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your people-focused leadership style and how you've handled change. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality customer service.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Improvement
Think about specific instances where you've evaluated services and proposed improvements. Discuss your approach to continuous service development and how you plan to meet the needs of diverse communities. This will align with their focus on service effectiveness.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Prepare by thinking through potential situations related to resource allocation, budgeting, or managing service level agreements. This will help you demonstrate your practical knowledge and readiness for the role.