Library Manager

Suffolk County Council; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Library Manager to lead a dedicated team in delivering community-focused library services. This role requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with responsibilities including team management, community engagement, and operational oversight. The ideal candidate will promote innovative strategies to enhance library usage and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. This is a full-time, permanent position with competitive benefits and flexible working options.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme

Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to lead and motivate a team of staff and volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for community engagement.
• Proactive in promoting innovative ideas to increase library usage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team to deliver high-quality library services.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring customer care and compliance.
• Build relationships with local stakeholders to promote community engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Time management

IT knowledge

Job description

• Address: Felixstowe Library, Felixstowe IP11 7BY (On‑site working)
• Hours: 34 hours per week on a 2‑week rota – Week 1: Tue 7.75, Wed 7.75, Thu 7.75, Fri 7.75, Sat 6; Week 2: Tue 7.75, Wed 7.75, Thu 7.75, Fri 7.75
• Contract: Permanent

Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 34 hours per week on a 2‑week rota – Week 1: Tue 7.75, Wed 7.75, Thu 7.75, Fri 7.75, Sat 6; Week 2: Tue 7.75, Wed 7.75, Thu 7.75, Fri 7.75
• Contract: Permanent

Here at Suffolk County Council, we’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. By listening to our people, learning from what they say, and creating a culture of mutual respect, we work together to achieve great things. As a Library Manager for Suffolk Community Libraries, you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and pursue a fantastic career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As a Library Manager, you will lead and inspire a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to deliver a welcoming, customer‑focused service at the heart of the community. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, ensuring high standards in customer care, stock management, and compliance with health and safety procedures. Building strong relationships with local stakeholders, you will champion community engagement and promote innovative activities to increase library usage. Your role will also involve supporting staff development, managing income generation opportunities, and ensuring the library remains a vibrant, inclusive space for all. You will liaise and work alongside an active and involved Friends group.

You will need:

• The ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of staff and volunteers in providing a customer‑focused and responsive service
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for engaging with people and building relationships
• A proactive approach and the ability to promote innovative ideas to increase library usage
• Confident IT knowledge to support, assist, and train staff and customers in using various forms of technology, including computers, tablets, and smartphones
• The ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to achieve both individual and team goals
• Strong communication and partnership skills to work effectively with stakeholders
• Commitment to fairness, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for making a positive difference in Suffolk

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply – we would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

Library Managers work within Suffolk Community Libraries’ local branches, supporting community engagement and delivering frontline services. The team collaborates with volunteers, community groups, and other council services to promote inclusive access to learning and information.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Maggie Lusher at [e-mail] for a casual conversation.

How To Apply

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
   • Tell us about your experience supervising or managing staff and volunteers. How do you set priorities and support team development?
   • Describe a time when you introduced a new idea or process in your workplace. How did you encourage others to embrace the change?
   • Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or operational issue. How did you handle it, and what did you learn?
4. Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your application will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11:30 pm, 27 January 2026.

Interview date: 10 February 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments, please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).