Here at Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Community Libraries, 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 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 connect with 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 the day-to-day operations of the library, 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 also be liaising and working alongside an active and involved Friends group.
This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.
This is a lone working post and as such you’ll be expected to open and close the library building.
Your working pattern will be:
Week 1: Monday 9.30am - 12.30pm, Tuesday 9.15am - 2.45pm, Thursday 9.15am -2.45pm, Friday 9.15am - 2.45pm
Week 2: Monday 9.15 am - 12.45pm, Tuesday 9.15am - 2.45pm, Thursday 9.15am - 2.45pm, Friday 9.15am - 1.15pm, Saturday 9.45am - 5.15pm (1 hour unpaid for lunch).
You will need:
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the ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of staff and volunteers in providing a customer-focused and responsive service
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strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for engaging with people and building relationships
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a proactive approach and the ability to promote innovative ideas to increase library usage
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confident IT knowledge to support, assist, and train staff and customers in using various forms of technology, including computers, tablets, and smartphones
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the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to achieve both individual and team goals
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strong communication and partnership skills to work effectively with stakeholders
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knowledge of the local area
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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, 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
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 Rachel Gibson for a casual conversation. You can contact them by emailing [email protected]
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (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 (Word).
1.Tell us about your experience supervising staff or volunteers. How do you set priorities, coach team members, and manage performance?
2.Describe a situation where you had to handle an operational issue in a library. How did you resolve it and what did you learn?
3.How do you build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders to ensure the library reflects and serves its community
4.Tell us about a situation where you had to deal with a challenging customer or incident while working alone. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?
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, 22 August 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. #LI-Onsite
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).
