At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead library services and manage a dynamic team across multiple locations.
- Company: OnFife, the largest cultural organisation in Fife, dedicated to community engagement.
- Benefits: Real Living Wage, generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to continuous improvement and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing services and leading teams in customer-focused environments.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are OnFife, the largest cultural organization in Fife, serving the community through engaging public spaces. We are a Real Living Wage employer and offer a local government pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, flexible working, a dedicated training scheme for professional development, and an employee discount scheme.
The Role
We are seeking an Assistant Area Manager to provide operational leadership and delivery of library services across St Andrews, Elie, St Monans and Tayport. Lead a geographically dispersed team ensuring consistent, high‑quality customer‑focused services that meet community needs and organizational priorities. Manage staffing, performance and compliance across the cluster with line‑management responsibilities. Plan workforce, drive service performance, and maintain safe, well‑managed environments with visible presence on sites, including evening and weekend working. Apply strong leadership and communication skills, motivating and supporting teams, making informed decisions, and managing resources effectively. Use experience in performance management, service improvement and compliance frameworks to deliver efficient services across multiple locations.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Demonstrable experience managing services and leading teams in a customer‑focused environment.
- Organized, outcome‑driven, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
- Proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a clear focus on continuous improvement.
How to Apply
Contact Pamela Paton, Operations Manager (Libraries), at pamela.paton@onfife.com for an informal chat. The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Thursday 2 July. Interviews will take place on Friday 10 July in Kirkcaldy. OnFife is an equal opportunities employer and supports the Armed Forces community.
Assistant Area Manager (Small Libraries) employer: Onfife
OnFife is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. With a commitment to the Real Living Wage, generous holiday allowances, and a robust training scheme for professional development, we empower our staff to thrive in their roles while serving the vibrant communities of St Andrews, Elie, St Monans, and Tayport. Our flexible working arrangements and employee discount schemes further enhance the rewarding experience of being part of the largest cultural organisation in Fife.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Area Manager (Small Libraries)
✨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 Onfife, 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 Onfife 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 Assistant Area Manager (Small Libraries)
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 Onfife 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 Onfife
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Onfife, 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 Onfife.
