Job Description
Libraries Manager (based at Gateshead Central Library)
Full time 37 hour contract - Regular evening and Saturday working will form part of the working hours of the post.
Enhanced pay is in place for Saturday shifts.
Who we are and what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Create opportunities through culture, learning and heritage.
The Libraries and Heritage Service at Gateshead Council plays a vital role in supporting learning, wellbeing and community connection across the borough. Our libraries are inclusive, welcoming spaces that enable access to free books and heritage collections, trusted information and digital resources, while promoting reading for pleasure and wellbeing at every stage of life.
Our teams deliver activities across Gateshead in library buildings and community venues, including our well established programme of creative activities for all ages. We work with partners to build use of our facilities and support residents to get the help they need close to home. Our specialist teams work to promote reading for pleasure for all ages, as well as to deliver digital and heritage activities.
Lead, innovate and inspire across Libraries and Heritage Services
We are seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking and experienced professional to play a leading role in the management, development and delivery of high-quality Library services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape services that support learning, culture, health and wellbeing, while ensuring they remain relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our communities.
As a Library Manager, you will take an active role in the overall management of Library and Heritage Services, driving service improvement, project delivery and innovation. You will lead specialist areas of work, develop strategic partnerships and ensure that services contribute to wider Council priorities, including community based support, wellbeing and Thrive objectives.
The role requires a proactive leader who can manage people, projects, budgets and resources while maintaining excellent customer service standards across the service.
What you'll get to do:
- Take an active role in the overall management of library services including project management and service development and ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.
- Work with teams to ensure the development and delivery of library and heritage services meet the needs of specific user groups.
- Manage staff, including providing support, guidance, supervision, development, training and performance management, and to ensure resources are allocated accordingly
- Lead on the collation and recording of relevant, accurate information and intelligence as required. To carry out robust evaluation of activities to ensure the service is meeting Council priorities.
- Act as the senior on duty for the service, dealing with urgent management requests from all teams
- Develop new and existing partnerships and opportunities for working collaboratively with stakeholders, linking to the overall public health and wellbeing offer and Thrive priorities.
- Manage budgets, collections and assets to respond to changing customer need and Council priorities. To manage the procurement of library resources in compliance with Council policies and procedures
- To lead on programme development within a specialist area and contribute to the wider Libraries and Heritage service priorities.
- Ensure continuous professional development through regional and national networks and gather and disseminate knowledge and training to the wider staff group.
- Ensure premises are well managed in accordance with Council and service policies and procedures and take action on any health and safety concerns for library buildings or services.
What you'll bring:
Degree in Library and Information Management (or equivalent professional qualification), with a strong understanding of the role libraries play in supporting communities.
Proven experience of managing and developing library, heritage, cultural or community-focused services, delivering improvements that meet the needs of diverse audiences.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience of motivating, developing and supporting teams to deliver excellent customer service.
Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with communities, organisations and partners to maximise impact.
Experience of creating and delivering innovative programmes, events or services that increase participation, engagement and community wellbeing.
Excellent communication and decision-making skills, with the ability to build positive relationships, influence others and respond effectively to changing priorities.
A passion for customer-focused services and community wellbeing, with a commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility and positive outcomes for local people.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.