At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outreach and support for start-up businesses in Oldham's libraries.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounted gym membership.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping new businesses thrive in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in client relations, training organisation, and performance reporting.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Communities Heritage, Libraries and Arts SME Officer
Contract: Fixed Term (31 March 2027)
Salary: £31,537 - £34,434 per annum (Grade 5)
Hours: 36.66 per week
Location: Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL
Closing Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Interview Date: TBC.
Role Overview
Build-A-Business in GM Libraries is a business support programme led by the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Manchester to support start-up businesses and new entrepreneurs to develop the insight, skills and confidence they need to start and grow successful businesses. The postholder will plan and coordinate all the project activities across Oldham’s library service.
Key Responsibilities
- Marketing and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) outreach activities
- Organising monthly workshops
- Project delivery
- Record-keeping and administration
- Producing reports and carrying out evaluation in line with the project funding requirements
Key Requirements
- Experience of working with individual clients and organisations to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
- Experience of organising and running training courses.
- Experience of developing performance measures and reporting to stakeholders.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years’ service.
- The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
- Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
- Staff recognition and celebration events.
- Peer support groups.
Inclusive Recruitment
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Data and Privacy
For details of how we use your data please see our privacy notice.
Important Information
Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
Additional Information
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application. If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
SME Outreach & Programs Lead (Libraries) in Manchester employer: Oldham Council
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment at Oldham Library, where your contributions directly impact the growth of local businesses and entrepreneurs. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and wellbeing support, we prioritise employee satisfaction and development, ensuring you have the resources to thrive in your role. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the community while enjoying opportunities for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SME Outreach & Programs Lead (Libraries) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars related to libraries and SMEs. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your experience in outreach and programme coordination. This is a great way to demonstrate your capabilities beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting start-ups and entrepreneurs through library services.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace SME Outreach & Programs Lead (Libraries) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of SME Outreach & Programs Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with clients and organisations. We want to see how you've built relationships and delivered training courses, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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 the position. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldham Council
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Build-A-Business programme and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with how it supports start-up businesses and new entrepreneurs, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves working with individual clients and organisations, prepare examples of how you've successfully established and maintained professional relationships in the past. This could be through previous jobs or volunteer work, so have those stories ready to share.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job requires organising workshops and project activities, so be prepared to discuss your experience in planning and executing events. Bring specific examples of training courses you've organised and how you measured their success.
✨Be Ready for Evaluation Questions
As the role involves producing reports and evaluations, think about how you've previously developed performance measures and reported to stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach to record-keeping and how you ensure compliance with funding requirements.
