Library Team Manager

As a Library Team Manager, you'll shape the culture and future of one of the busiest and most popular Library Services in the country. Hampshire Library Service, with 40 sites and over 4.8 million annual visitors, is looking for a dynamic Library Team Manager to join our team. In your first year, you'll consolidate your leadership skills within a smaller community setting at Bishop's Waltham & Netley Libraries. This initial year offers the chance to embed yourself in the role and work closely with experienced Library Team Managers across the local area. After this first year, you'll move to Chandler's Ford Library, a larger and more complex site where you'll bring your developed skills to a high profile, busy library environment. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of driving growth and engagement, ensuring our libraries remain vibrant community hubs. Alongside managing your core library, you'll also contribute to the wider service by supporting all eight libraries across the Winchester and Eastleigh area – offering a diverse and rewarding leadership experience that spans multiple communities.

What you’ll do

• Champion the role of library by ensuring it provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore, engage, and discover.
• Manage and develop your team to ensure the library reaches its full potential.
• Provide support to ensure effective collaborative working across a cluster of libraries, enhancing service delivery.
• Oversee building management including health and safety, contractor management, and staff training programs.
• Lead and implement countywide projects linked to the service vision.
• Collaborate with local community partners and build outreach and project work to develop the role of the library within the community.
• Travel to various locations within Hampshire; you must have a current drivers' licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing and leading a team, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate staff to deliver high quality services.
• Strong people skills to interact effectively with staff and customers.
• Ability to motivate, support and engage team members by understanding and adapting to their unique personalities and working styles.
• Community and customer-focused approach, dedicated to making a positive impact through library services.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and turn ideas into actionable, achievable outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements within public service environments.

Benefits and Work‑Life Balance

• Career growth and development: Take on a new challenge and make a significant impact.
• Work‑life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life. The role will include working some weekends and occasional evening work.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.