Suffolk County Council
Address: Bury St Edmunds Library, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1TZ, on-site working
Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 32.88 hours per week, please see working pattern below
Contract: Permanent
At Suffolk County Council we’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As an Assistant Library Manager 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 connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
As an Assistant Library Manager, you’ll play a key part in shaping a welcoming, vibrant, and community‑focused library environment. Working closely with the Library Manager, you’ll help lead a dedicated team, support the smooth running of daily operations, and ensure every visitor enjoys an excellent experience. From championing inclusive services and engaging activities to overseeing stock, supporting staff, and maintaining high standards across the branch, you’ll be at the heart of ensuring the library remains a trusted, inspiring space for everyone. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role where your initiative, creativity, and commitment to outstanding service will make a real difference to the community.
This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.
Your working pattern will be:
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Week 1: Tuesday 8am – 5pm (8 hours), Wednesday 8.30am – 5.45pm (8. 25 hours), Thursday 8am – 5.45pm (8.75 hours), Friday 8am – 4.30pm (7.5 hours)
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Week 2: Tuesday 8am – 5pm (8 hours), Wednesday 8.30am – 5.45pm (8. 25 hours), Thursday 8am – 5.45pm (8.75 hours), Saturday 8am – 5.15pm (8.25 hours)
We’re looking for someone who:
can deliver great customer service to people of all ages
communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community
is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions
is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too
has strong organisational skills with the ability to manage stock, plan activities, and maintain a safe, well-presented environment
has the ability to stay calm, professional, and solution‑focused in challenging situations
can be flexible to support different branches when required, including some weekend and evening work.
If you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, please see the how to apply section below. 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
You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.
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 Tracey Paris for a casual conversation. You can contact them by emailing [email protected]
How to apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
1. Describe a situation where you had to supervise or support colleagues to meet daily priorities. What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?
2. Give an example of when you worked with partners, volunteers, or external organisations sharing a space or service. How did you build effective relationships and prevent problems?
3. Tell us about a time you used digital tools (such as Outlook, Teams, Excel or other systems) to organise work, support customers, or improve efficiency. What tools did you use and what difference did it make?
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email protected] or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 July 2026.
Interview date: 21 July 2026.
Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
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. #LI-Onsite
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).
