At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver exceptional library services and community events.
- Company: Join Solihull Council, dedicated to creating thriving community spaces.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible hours, and access to employee support programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and working with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer service and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Do you have a passion for delivering excellent customer service and creating welcoming community spaces?
Are you an inspiring leader who can motivate teams, build strong partnerships, and make a real difference to local residents?
Solihull Council is seeking an enthusiastic and customer-focused Community Library Manager to lead the delivery of library services across Hobs Moat and Olton Libraries.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting vibrant community hubs that provide far more than books, helping residents access information, learning opportunities, digital services, and community activities.
About the Role As Community Library Manager, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver a high-quality, inclusive and customer-focused library service.
You will ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of two busy libraries while working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders, and local communities to continually develop and enhance the library offer.
You will
- Lead, motivate and develop library staff to deliver excellent customer service.
- Manage customer enquiries, complaints and escalated issues professionally and effectively.
- Plan and deliver engaging events, activities and community initiatives.
- Build partnerships with organisations and community groups to maximise local impact.
- Monitor library performance and use data to inform service improvements.
- Oversee library buildings, facilities and physical assets, ensuring they remain safe, accessible and welcoming.
- Support the implementation of new technologies and innovative ways of delivering services.
We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with a genuine commitment to serving their community., A qualification in Customer Service or Leadership (NVQ/ILM Level 4 or above), or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience working in a busy customer-facing environment.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Experience building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- The ability to engage with diverse communities and adapt services to meet local needs.
- Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications., This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.
At Solihull Council, we are committed to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our libraries are at the heart of local communities, providing welcoming spaces that connect people, promote learning, and support wellbeing.
Working for Solihull we also offer: Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to purchase up to 10-days additional leave per year
- A flexitime scheme
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
- Family and carer friendly policies
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme., This role involves working alternate Saturdays on a rota basis.
While based at Hobs Moat and Olton Libraries, you may occasionally be required to work from other library locations across the borough to support service delivery.
- An Enhanced DBS check for working with children is required for this post
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Community Library Manager in Olton employer: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
Burman Infant School offers a supportive and nurturing work environment where dedicated professionals can thrive. As part of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, competitive remuneration, and a collaborative culture that values each team member's contributions. This role not only allows for meaningful engagement with the school community but also provides opportunities for personal growth and career advancement in the education sector.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Library Manager in Olton
✨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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Community Library Manager in Olton
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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Solihull Metropolitan Borough 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 Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
