Library Team Manager in Basingstoke

Job Reference: HCC

Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum

Work Location: Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Basingstoke

Hours per week: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 4 February 2026

Interview Date: 18 February 2026

The Role:

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 lead Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Working with a large team of core staff and volunteers, you’ll be at the forefront of driving growth and engagement, ensuring the library remains a vibrant community hub.

What you’ll do:

• Championing the role of Basingstoke Discovery Centre by ensuring it provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore, engage, and discover.
• Managing and developing your team to ensure the library reaches its full potential.
• Providing support across a cluster of libraries to enhance service delivery.
• Overseeing building management including health and safety, contractor management, and staff training programs.
• Leading and implementing countywide projects linked to the service vision.
• Collaborating with local community partners and building outreach and project work to develop the role of the library within the community.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience of managing and leading a team, including supporting staff through periods of change, service improvement, or transformation.
• 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 and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements within public service environments.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Library Team Manager role. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements in your application.

Why join us?

• Make a difference: Lead a committed and enthusiastic team who take pride in providing high quality customer service and making a difference to local residents and communities.
• 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.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Travel Requirements: You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire, and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.

Additional Information: Library Team Manager Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements: The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: For general enquiries, please contact Jennifer Marvin, Area Manager.

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

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