Community Library Manager

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexitime scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Staff discounts

Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Job summary

Solihull Council is seeking a passionate and customer-focused Community Library Manager to lead library services across Hobs Moat and Olton Libraries. You will manage two busy libraries, ensuring inclusive, high-quality services, and partner with local organisations to broaden impact.

You will motivate staff, handle escalations, plan community events, and use data to improve services, while embracing new technologies and flexible delivery.

Qualifications

• A qualification in Customer Service or Leadership (NVQ/ILM Level 4 or above), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience working in a busy customer-facing environment.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The ability to engage with diverse communities and adapt services to meet local needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop library staff to deliver excellent customer service.
• Manage customer enquiries, complaints and escalated issues professionally and effectively.
• Plan and deliver engaging events, activities and community initiatives.
• Build partnerships with organisations and community groups to maximise local impact.
• Monitor library performance and use data to inform service improvements.
• Oversee library buildings, facilities and physical assets, ensuring they remain safe, accessible and welcoming.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and innovative ways of delivering services.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Staff development

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

Education

NVQ/ILM Level 4 or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Part time - 31 hours per week

Do you have a passion for delivering excellent customer service and creating welcoming community spaces? Are you an inspiring leader who can motivate teams, build strong partnerships, and make a real difference to local residents?

Solihull Council is seeking an enthusiastic and customer-focused Community Library Manager to lead the delivery of library services across Hobs Moat and Olton Libraries. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting vibrant community hubs that provide far more than books, helping residents access information, learning opportunities, digital services, and community activities.

About the Role

As Community Library Manager, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver a high-quality, inclusive and customer-focused library service. You will ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of two busy libraries while working collaboratively with partners, stakeholders, and local communities to continually develop and enhance the library offer.

You will:

• Lead, motivate and develop library staff to deliver excellent customer service.
• Manage customer enquiries, complaints and escalated issues professionally and effectively.
• Plan and deliver engaging events, activities and community initiatives.
• Build partnerships with organisations and community groups to maximise local impact.
• Monitor library performance and use data to inform service improvements.
• Oversee library buildings, facilities and physical assets, ensuring they remain safe, accessible and welcoming.
• Support the implementation of new technologies and innovative ways of delivering services.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with a genuine commitment to serving their community.

You will bring:

• A qualification in Customer Service or Leadership (NVQ/ILM Level 4 or above), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience working in a busy customer-facing environment.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Experience building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The ability to engage with diverse communities and adapt services to meet local needs.
• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications.

Why Join Solihull Council?

At Solihull Council, we are committed to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our libraries are at the heart of local communities, providing welcoming spaces that connect people, promote learning, and support wellbeing. Working for Solihull we also offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to purchase up to 10-days additional leave per year
• A flexitime scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
• Family and carer friendly policies
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.

Additional Information

This role involves working alternate Saturdays on a rota basis. While based at Hobs Moat and Olton Libraries, you may occasionally be required to work from other library locations across the borough to support service delivery.

An Enhanced DBS check for working with children is required for this post

If you If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact Baillie Carleton, Library Operations Manager at [e-mail]

Closing date: 30 September 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 12 October 2026

CV's will not be accepted for this role

Please note: As part of our compliance and safer recruitment requirements, references will be sought for all successful candidates following interview. A reference must be provided by the candidate’s current or most recent employer or training provider. Where this does not cover the last three years, an additional reference will be required from the candidate’s next most recent employer or training provider. Posts subject to statutory regulation may require additional scrutiny. Personal/character references will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.

Attached documents

Hours of work
Job description and person specification