Libraries Manager

Gateshead Council; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding Pension Scheme

28 days annual leave (rising to 32)

Learning & Development

Health & Wellbeing Support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme

Salary sacrifice discounts via VIVUP

Job summary

Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced Library Manager to lead the Libraries and Heritage Service across Gateshead. You will drive service improvement, manage staff and budgets, and build strategic partnerships to deliver high‑quality library and heritage provisions for diverse communities.

You will shape programmes, champion inclusion and wellbeing, and ensure excellent customer service while aligning with council priorities and Thrive objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in Library and Information Management (or equivalent professional qualification).
• Proven experience managing library, heritage or community-focused services.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with a track record of motivating teams.
• Excellent partnership building and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Experience delivering innovative programmes, events or services for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Take an active role in the overall management of library services, including project management and service development, ensuring high customer service standards.
• Manage staff, including supervision, development and performance management, and allocate resources effectively.
• Develop partnerships and opportunities with stakeholders to support public health and Thrive priorities.
• Lead programme development in a specialist area and contribute to wider Libraries and Heritage priorities.
• Ensure premises are well managed and health & safety requirements are met.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Customer service

Education

Degree in Library and Information Management (or equivalent)

Job description

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.
  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.
  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.

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.

• 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).