At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise a small team and ensure a safe, clean environment for library users.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive university library team.
- Benefits: Part-time hours with a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the library while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service.
- Other info: Term-time only role with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 Β£ per hour.
Part time, permanent (Shifts for this post are 18:50 β 00:05 Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 17:15 β 21:15 Saturdays)
Closing date: 23:59 1 March 2026
Interview date: 31 March 2026
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University.
Role Overview
Do you enjoy working with people and providing a great customer service and environment? If so, we are looking for people like you to be a part of our Library team as a Support Services Supervisor in our Evening Services team. You will help us maintain a safe, secure and clean environment for Library users to work in and supervise a small team of two other staff.
Qualifications
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral) for team working, staff supervision, relaying information to colleagues and Library users
- A commitment to a high standard of user-focussed service delivery and customer care
- Good general education to GCSE level standard or equivalent, including English Language
- The ability to work independently without close supervision and to take appropriate action when necessary
- The ability to cope with the physical requirements of the role (patrolling and evacuating a six-storey building on foot, pushing trolleys of books and taking books from bins or trolleys and placing on shelves, emptying bins, lifting boxes of paper, dealing with sudden loud noises from alarms β fire, book gate, accessible toilet)
The salary advertised is the range paid for 1.0 FTE. Actual salary for these posts will be a proportion of that sum based on the hours worked. Note that payment for these posts is spread evenly across 12 months (52 weeks) although the posts are βterm timeβ only (32 weeks a year).
Contact
Contact Name: Jackie Whittam
Contact Job Title: Support Services Team Leader
Contact Email address: j.n.whittam@reading.ac.uk
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Support Services Supervisor in Reading employer: University of Reading
Contact Detail:
University of Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Support Services Supervisor in Reading
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their website and social media. This will help you understand what they value and how you can fit in. Plus, it gives you some great talking points during the interview!
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. This will help you get comfortable with answering questions and boost your confidence. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through!
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the team. Think about what you want to know about the work environment or team dynamics!
β¨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a good impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Support Services Supervisor in Reading
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Support Services Supervisor role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Library team, so donβt hold back on showcasing your customer service experience!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since good interpersonal and communication skills are key for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and donβt forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've had any previous roles that involved supervising a team or working in a customer-focused environment, be sure to mention them! We love seeing candidates who have hands-on experience that relates directly to what weβre looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and youβll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Reading
β¨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Support Services Supervisor role. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities, especially around customer service and team supervision.
β¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires good interpersonal and communication skills, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles. Think about times when youβve had to relay important information or resolve conflicts, as these will demonstrate your ability to work well with both colleagues and library users.
β¨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Customer Care
Be ready to discuss your approach to providing high-quality user-focused service. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond for customers, as this will highlight your dedication to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
β¨Prepare for Physical Requirements
This role has physical demands, so be prepared to discuss how you can meet these requirements. You might want to mention any relevant experience that showcases your ability to handle physical tasks, like patrolling or lifting, to reassure the interviewers that youβre up for the challenge.