At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage library operations, ensuring excellent customer service and community engagement.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team dedicated to enhancing community services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible working across multiple library sites with strong career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of library services and connect with your community.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in library services and staff management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44962 £ per year.
Post Title: Library Manager
Grade: ME9 (SO1 equivalent)
Department: Community & Housing / Library, Heritage & Adult Education Service
Responsible to: Library Service Manager
Responsible for: Library staff, volunteers, and security staff at designated library site(s)
Location: Based at any library within the service (may be required to work across multiple sites)
Job Purpose
To lead and manage the day-to-day operations of a library service point, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused service that meets agreed standards and performance targets. The post holder will be responsible for managing staff, volunteers, resources, and the library building, while ensuring compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, and council policies. The role also requires driving service improvement, supporting digital inclusion, and working with local communities and stakeholders to enhance the library's impact.
Leadership and Staff Management
- Manage, lead, and motivate library staff and volunteers to deliver excellent customer service
- Undertake supervision, 1:1s, appraisals, and performance management
- Manage rotas, staffing levels, and day-to-day deployment of staff and volunteers
- Provide training, coaching, and development opportunities for staff and volunteers
- Address performance issues and ensure consistent service standards are met
Service Delivery and Customer Experience
- Ensure the library provides a welcoming, accessible, and high-quality service to all users
- Maintain consistently high standards of customer care
- Deal with customer feedback, complaints, and service issues at a local level
- Promote digital services and support customers in using technology and online resources
Operational and Building Management
- Be responsible for the safe and effective running of the library building(s)
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and council procedures
- Act as key holder and respond to emergencies as required
- Liaise with Facilities Management to ensure maintenance issues are resolved promptly
- Maintain accurate records relating to staff, services, and building operations
Performance Management and Service Improvement
- Set and monitor team objectives and service targets
- Track performance and implement corrective actions where necessary
- Contribute to service planning and continuous improvement initiatives
- Analyse data and use findings to improve local service delivery
- Support and implement new ways of working and service innovations
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Develop strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders
- Support and promote local and national library campaigns and initiatives
- Work collaboratively with partner organisations, schools, and community groups
- Help extend the reach of library services through engagement and outreach activities
Budget and Resources
- Monitor assigned budgets and support income generation targets where applicable
- Ensure resources are used efficiently and in line with council policies
- Contribute to cost-effective service delivery
Communication and Reporting
- Ensure effective communication within the library team and across the service
- Cascade information from senior management to staff and volunteers
- Report on performance, issues, and achievements within required timescales
- Represent local service needs and feedback to management
Person Specification
Experience
- Minimum 2 years' experience working within a library service
- Minimum 2 years' experience managing staff, including supervision and performance management
- Experience of rota management, staff development, and training delivery
- Experience working in a customer-focused environment
Knowledge
- Understanding of public library services and their role in the community
- Awareness of how libraries support council priorities and community needs
- Understanding of performance management and service improvement frameworks
- Knowledge of health & safety and operational compliance in a public setting
Skills and Abilities
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy environment
- Strong organisational and planning skills
- Ability to analyse data and use it to improve services
- High level of IT competence and ability to use multiple systems
- Ability to motivate teams and drive performance improvement
- Customer-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and solution-focused
- Committed to continuous improvement
- Able to work independently and take responsibility for decisions
- Flexible and adaptable to service needs
- Strong commitment to public service and community engagement
Summary
The Library Manager is responsible for leading a library service point, managing staff and operations, ensuring high-quality customer service, maintaining building safety and compliance, and driving continuous improvement in line with council priorities and community needs.
Library Manager – AR in London employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Library Manager within our Community & Housing / Library, Heritage & Adult Education Service, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises professional development and community engagement. Our commitment to high-quality service delivery is matched by our dedication to employee growth, offering training and leadership opportunities that empower you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of library users. Join us in fostering a welcoming atmosphere where innovation and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Manager – AR in London
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Carrington Blake Recruitment just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Carrington Blake Recruitment. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Manager – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Library Manager – AR role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Carrington Blake Recruitment, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Carrington Blake Recruitment, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Carrington Blake Recruitment, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
