Library Branch Manager

The starting salary for this role is £17,323.25 per annum for working 21 hours per week, Monday to Saturday. Please note, depending on the frontline needs of the service, start and finish times may vary. We are currently seeking a Library Branch Manager for Sunbury Library. Sunbury Library is part of the Staines Group of libraries and at times you will be expected to work at other libraries in this Group and the wider service. The Staines Group includes Ashford, Egham, Shepperton, Staines, Stanwell Libraries and Sunbury 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 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 well-being Up to 5 days of carers' 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 resourcesAbout 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. Making use of your communication skills, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. You will facilitate training and development opportunities to staff while continuing to broaden your own knowledge. You will work with other managers to deliver a diverse range of services aimed at enriching the lives of all those who work, live, study and visit Surrey. You will also oversee day-to-day activity in the library, which involves managing staff, dealing with property issues, ensuring health and safety policy is adhered to, and responding to customer feedback. You will be enthusiastic about sharing books and information with others, have the IT skills required to use the library management systems, and the resilience to deal with a broad range of challenges. By following Surrey County Council policies, including Health and Safety, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. Shortlisting Criteria To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence: Experience of managing and supporting teams through change Ability to work with peers at a management level Ability to build relationships and develop internal and external partnerships Problem solving skills and ability to take appropriate actionWe 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): Our libraries are a vital community resource. Describe an instance where you had experience or involvement with a community service making a positive impact. (150 words) Can you name 3 things you would do to attract more people to Sunbury Library and other libraries in the Staines Group, and highlight how they align with aspects of our Surrey Way framework? (150 words) Can you provide an example when you provided excellent customer service? (150 words) Library Branch Managers must juggle various priorities in the course of their duties. What experience would you bring to support you with this? (150 words)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 27/10/2024 with interviews taking place on Friday 15/11/2024. 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 applicants 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 formOur application form and on-boarding 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