Library Branch Manager

Description

The starting salary for this role is £19,798 per annum, for working 24 hours per week (two-week rota basis). The full-time equivalent salary is £29,697 per annum. This is a 14 month fixed term/secondment opportunity.

We are excited to be recruiting a new Branch Manager at our fantastic Cranleigh Library. This position puts you at the heart of our communities, providing you with the opportunity to lead staff and volunteers in creating 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 dependents 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 Role

Our Branch Managers play an integral role in helping us achieve an inclusive and active library service partly through the planning of cultural events. This could involve organising an author talk, arranging theatre activities, or facilitating the creation of a temporary dance space. Using your networking skills to build local partnerships, you will encourage learning, and support local health and wellbeing.

As a Branch Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of staff ensuring that excellent customer service is delivered at all levels in your libraries. Making use of your communication skills, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. You will provide training and development opportunities to staff while continuing to broaden your own knowledge.

You will also oversee day-to-day activity in the library, which involves dealing with property issues, ensuring health and safety policy is adhered to, and managing customer comments, compliments, and complaints. Enthusiastic about sharing books and information with others, you will have the IT skills required to use the library management systems and the resilience to deal with a broad range of customer queries. 

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your CV and answers to the following questions will clearly evidence you meet the shortlisting criteria on the attached Job Description. We want to find out how you will create an inclusive environment for staff and customers and ask that you answer the following questions as part of the application process (along with uploading your CV): 

1. What are your motivations for applying?
2. Why do you think our libraries are important to the community? 
3. How would you be an amazing Branch Manager?
4. Library Branch Managers have to juggle various priorities on a daily basis. What experience would you bring to support you with this?

We recognise transferable skills and are committed to providing training, if you feel like you might be what we are looking for but don't exactly match our criteria, we would welcome an informal discussion with Georgina Myring by email at georgina.myring@surreycc.gov.uk or via phone on 07773471847. 

If you can match our energy for creating exceptional community spaces, we and our residents really want to hear from you. We also invite you to read our Life at Surrey handbook to see insights into the culture at Surrey and how you can help shape our Council.

Additional information 

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 02/06/2024.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews on 07/06/2024. The main questions will be provided in advance of the interview, though follow up questions may also be asked should further information or examples be required. 

Rota

Please note that the above rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service, including occasionally covering until 7pm.

Location

Although based at Cranleigh Library, you may be asked to travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.

There are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

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.