Team Manager – Library and Information Service

East Sussex Council; Lewes; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization in Lewes is seeking a Team Manager for its Library and Information Service. This role involves leading teams to ensure high-quality customer service, managing library resources effectively, and developing strategic plans for service delivery. Candidates should possess strong leadership, operational management, and communication skills. This position offers competitive salary, flexible working options, and the opportunity to positively impact the local community.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Diverse range of benefits

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Experience in managing budgets and operational services.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver results.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Resilience and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate teams to deliver high-quality customer service.
• Manage library buildings, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Develop and implement service plans and strategies.
• Oversee procurement, business planning, and external communications.
• Build partnerships and seek funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and statutory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Operational management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Resilience

Flexibility

Job description

East Sussex County Council - Team Manager – Library and Information Service

Apply before 02/02/2026

Salary - £58,377 to £63,598

Contract Type - Perm

About the role

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for delivering outstanding customer service? Do you thrive in managing people, buildings, and budgets? If so, we want to hear from you.

East Sussex County Council’s Library and Information Service operates 17 libraries and a growing online offer, providing vital services to our communities. We’re looking for a Team Manager to lead our library teams and ensure the service is customer-focused, efficient, and aligned with our strategy:

• Improving literacy for children and adults
• Supporting the local economy
• Promoting health and wellbeing

What makes this role unique?

You do not need previous library experience to apply. We’re looking for someone who can bring strong leadership, operational management, and strategic thinking to the role. You’ll be comfortable managing buildings, overseeing frontline service delivery, and driving projects that make a real difference to East Sussex residents.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and motivate teams to deliver high-quality customer service
• Manage library buildings, budgets, and resources effectively
• Develop and implement service plans and strategies
• Oversee procurement, business planning, and external communications working with our corporate communications team
• Build partnerships and seek funding opportunities
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and statutory requirements

What we’re looking for:

• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Experience in managing budgets and operational services
• Ability to think strategically and deliver results
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Resilience and flexibility in a fast-paced environment

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a service that matters to thousands of residents. You’ll have the chance to work on projects, contribute to policy development, and make a tangible impact on your community. We offer flexible working options, including some home working, but you’ll also be a visible presence in our library buildings.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Ready to lead the way? Apply now and help us deliver a customer-focused library service for East Sussex.

When writing your Supporting Statement, please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education or personal interests.

Interviews will take place in-person in County Hall, Lewes. Interviews will be held on Thursday 12 February 2026. If you are unavailable on this date let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact our recruitment partners at Penna: Andreas Efthymiou on 07546 415 794 or [e-mail].

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process follow the instructions below.

How to Apply:

• Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
• Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
• Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
• Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
• Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
• If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: [e-mail], to inform the Penna team.

Please find the full job description for the role Here