Library Service Team Manager – Uttlesford in Chelmsford

Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week, with some weekends) £35,454 to £41,710 per annum Location: Uttlesford. Working Style: Operational field-based worker. Closing Date: 17th August 2026.

This role is contractually based in Chelmsford, with a requirement to work across the libraries in Uttlesford.

As a Library Service Team Manager, you will serve as a pivotal catalyst for transformational change within the service. You will act as an ambassador for continuous improvement, supporting your Area Manager in driving these changes on the front lines of service delivery, skilfully navigating resistance, and evaluating success through measurable outcomes. You will strive for operational excellence across geographically dispersed teams and facilities. Your visible front-line leadership and ‘can do’ approach will inspire the teams you lead and foster a culture of proactive service delivery and change.

Your commitment to hands-on work and support for your teams will set an example of the professionalism and customer focus that we value in our libraries. In partnership with your Area Manager, you will act as a role model, leading the transformation of library operations. This transformation will ensure our library service is well-positioned to adapt to changes, generate additional income, and nurture a multi-skilled, proactive, and flexible workforce. Through the introduction and adherence to high operational standards, your leadership will promote and continually improve a consistent and reliable customer experience.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for serving as an experienced people leader, maintaining an active, visible presence in the libraries for at least 80% of the working week, supporting the Area Manager in effective service delivery, driving high performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and change.
• Evaluating staff and service performance and addressing areas of improvement promptly and effectively.
• Providing robust and proactive leadership to the team, ensuring the successful day-to-day operation of a broad range of library services and operational tasks within your area.
• Ensuring events and activities are delivered and supported by local library staff.
• Cultivating a culture of strong stock ownership, ensuring timely, relevant, and high-quality stock through regular collaboration with Library Support Teams.
• Consistent, frequent, and engaging communication with staff, keeping them informed and connected to sector plans, the wider library service, and ECC.
• Managing collaboration across the service to support the development of consistent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Business Continuity Plans.
• Working closely with library support teams to ensure the successful and consistent implementation of projects, initiatives, and pilots.
• Conducting regular review sessions with library support teams and managers to ensure the quality of data, insights, and their effective application.
• Engaging staff in local improvement work and encouraging them to identify further opportunities to explore.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Educated to Level 5 qualification in either Customer Service or Management, or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development with good knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of managing large teams and implementing change.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities including planning and control, resource allocation, problem solving and resolving complex customer issues.
• Experience of understanding data analytics to support improvement in service delivery and to maximise resources to increase efficiency.
• Proficient experience of IT systems including Email, Microsoft applications, and Telephony/ACD solutions.
• Knowledge of Data Protection (GDPR) and Freedom of Information legislation.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. An element of weekend and late working may be required as a part of the role.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.