Assistant Library Manager

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing support

Perkbox Benefits

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Hillingdon Council's Yeading Library seeks an enthusiastic Assistant Library Manager to lead day-to-day operations, supervise staff, and deliver high-quality customer service within a welcoming, inclusive environment.

You will help plan events, outreach, and promotions, engage with a diverse community, and work with partners to support literacy and digital inclusion across the borough. The role is 27.5 hours per week, pro rata salary, with a strong commitment to public service.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering excellent customer service in a busy public-facing environment.
• Experience supervising, supporting or motivating staff.
• Enjoys working with a diverse range of customers including children, young people and adults.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Positive attitude to changing priorities and challenges.
• Passion for the role libraries play in supporting communities.

Responsibilities

• Support the management and day-to-day operation of Yeading Library.
• Supervise, motivate and support library staff.
• Help plan and deliver a programme of library events, activities and outreach initiatives.
• Ensure high standards of customer service and library presentation.
• Assist with staff development, training and performance management.
• Support the safe and effective operation of the library.

Skills

Customer service

Staff supervision

Event planning

Communication

Organisational skills

Job description

About the role

Do you have a passion for customer service, community engagement and supporting staff to deliver excellent public services?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Library Manager to join our team at Yeading Library.

Yeading Library is a friendly and welcoming community library serving a diverse local population. As part of Hillingdon's network of libraries, it provides books, digital services, learning opportunities, information support and activities for children, families and adults. The library plays an important role in promoting literacy, supporting digital inclusion and helping residents access information, technology and community services.

Working closely with the Library Manager, you will help lead the day-to-day operation of the library, supervise and support staff, deliver high-quality customer service and contribute to the planning and delivery of events, activities and promotions. You will be confident engaging with customers of all ages and backgrounds and be committed to creating a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment.

As Assistant Library Manager, you will:

• Support the management and day-to-day operation of Yeading Library.
• Supervise, motivate and support library staff.
• Help plan and deliver a programme of library events, activities and outreach initiatives.
• Ensure high standards of customer service and library presentation.
• Assist with staff development, training and performance management.
• Support the safe and effective operation of the library.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, partners and local community organisations.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of delivering excellent customer service in a busy public-facing environment.
• Has experience of supervising, supporting or motivating staff.
• Enjoys working with a diverse range of customers, including children, young people and adults.
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Is able to respond positively to changing priorities and challenges.
• Is passionate about the role libraries play in supporting communities.
• Can lead by example and inspire confidence in colleagues and customers alike.

Working Pattern

This post is for 27.5 hours per week and the salary will be paid pro rata.

The working pattern for this post is:

Week 1

• Tuesday: 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Wednesday: 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Thursday: 9.30am to 7.00pm
• Friday: 9.30am to 5.00pm

Week 2

• Tuesday: 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Wednesday: 9.30am to 5.00pm
• Thursday: 9.30am to 7.00pm
• Saturday: 9.30am to 4.00pm

Please note: Applicants should ensure they are able to commit to this working pattern before applying. The successful candidate may also occasionally be required to work at other library locations to support service delivery.

About Us

At Hillingdon, putting our residents first is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering high-quality services and creating opportunities for residents to learn, connect and thrive through our libraries. As part of our Libraries Service, you will play an important role in supporting local communities and helping us deliver an excellent customer experience.

What We Offer

In return, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Access to learning and development opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing support
• Discounts and benefits through our employee schemes
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate for the role

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual who enjoys working with people, supporting staff and making a positive difference within the local community.

If you share our commitment to putting residents first and delivering excellent public services, we would love to hear from you.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre‑employment screening:

• 2 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.