At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic library team, ensuring top-notch service and engaging community events.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a forward-thinking local authority committed to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and support for personal development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant public service environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management and customer service, with a passion for libraries.
About the Role
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.
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.
- Ensuring 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.
- 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.
To read more about us please visit: Place and Customer - Working for Essex
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost.
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.
Library Service Team Manager – Uttlesford in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Library Service Team Manager – Uttlesford in Essex
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Essex County Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Essex County Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Library Service Team Manager – Uttlesford in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Essex County Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Essex County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Essex County Council.
