Libraries Group Manager

The starting salary for this role is £34,356 per annum for working 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday and every fourth Saturday. Please note, depending on the frontline needs of the service, start and finish times may vary between 9am and 7pm.

We are currently seeking two Libraries Group Managers to be based at one of each of the following locations:

• Epsom Group Manager based at Epsom Library and responsible for Epsom, Ewell, Banstead and Ashtead Libraries.
• Horley Group Manager based at Horley Library and responsible for Horley, Oxted, Caterham Valley and Caterham Hill libraries.

If you enjoy working in a challenging ever-changing environment, then this role is for you!

This position puts you at the heart of our communities, providing you with the opportunity to lead Branch Managers, Library Assistants and Volunteers to create a dynamic library service that continually evolves to meet the needs of local communities.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

As a Libraries Group Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of Branch Managers across several locations ensuring that high level customer service is delivered at all levels in your libraries.

You will work alongside nine other Group Managers and the senior management team to deliver a diverse range of services aimed at enriching the lives of all those who work, live, study and visit Surrey.

About the Role

Group Managers play a leading role in delivering an inclusive and active library service to encourage learning and support local health and wellbeing. You will oversee how your libraries perform against their key performance indicators in relation to book issues, visitor numbers, income, and membership.

Using your excellent communication and networking skills you will build partnerships with the local community to develop cultural activities. These could include author talks, arranging theatre activities, or creating a temporary dance space. Excellent IT skills are also required to manage and present projects to the senior leadership team and to use the library management systems.

By following Surrey County Council policies, including Health and Safety, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles.

In this role you will have to demonstrate that you can be:

• proactive
• creative
• resilient
• positive
• enthusiastic
• able to motivate and inspire your team.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience of managing and supporting teams through change
• An ability to work with peers at a management level
• Building relationships and develop internal and external partnerships
• Ability to problem solve and to take appropriate action

To apply for this role, please submit a personal statement (maximum 1000 words) clearly indicating the post(s) you are interested in, detailing how you meet the skills and abilities for the role. You will also need to include your CV.

If you can match our energy for creating exceptional community spaces, we really want to hear from you.

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 30/04/2024 with interviews planned for w/c 13/05/2024.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.