Library Manager

Barnsley Council; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Employee discounts

Health & wellbeing

Training & development

Pension scheme

Job summary

Barnsley Council is looking for a Library Manager to lead a frontline team at Library@Lightbox, The Glassworks redevelopment in Barnsley town centre.

The role is fixed-term until 22 May 2027 with a 37‑hour week, enhanced DBS check and opportunities to shape events, partnerships and services across our nationally recognised library service. Flexible working options are available, with a strong focus on staff development and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Lead and manage front-line staff in a busy library setting.
• Ensure delivery of statutory library services.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of frontline staff at Library@Lightbox.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver activities and events.
• Provide leadership within an inclusive and supportive team.
• Support flexible working and staff development.

Job description

Position reference: 50140900

Directorate: Place | Service: Libraries

Salary: £36,581- £39,481

Working Arrangements: Four weekly pattern, contact for more details

Hours per week: 37

Contract type: Fixed term until 22/05/2027

We are happy to talk flexible working arrangements with you, please get in touch .

Suitable for Secondment: Employees wishing to be considered for secondment should agree with their head of service before submitting an application form .

See our range of Employee Rewards: Employee rewards and benefits

Closing date: 13/11/2026 a t 23:59

This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check

If you are currently living overseas or have lived overseas in the last five years please be aware, if you are the preferred candidate for the post, you will be required to apply for an overseas criminal records check from the country/countries you have resided in. If you experience difficulty in obtaining an overseas criminal record check please email [e-mail]

When applying, please ensure you are prepared to start work with all the necessary legal documents, such as a valid visa, relevant to the type of work you will be undertaking. Please be aware that our organisation does not possess a Home Office license and, as a result, is unable to provide sponsorship for anyone seeking a visa as a skilled or temporary migrant worker.

Pensions Regulations have provisions to reduce pension payments in certain circumstances of those who return to work within local government service. If you are in receipt of a pension upon commencing employment with the authority, this may affect your pension entitlements and you should therefore seek advice from the relevant Pensions Authority.

At Barnsley Council you can start a career that makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping our council and residents to be the best they can be.

We’re an award-winning council and one of the biggest employers in the borough, supporting around 243,000 people. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our employees. As part of the team, we offer lots of benefits and rewards to support you to thrive and grow, like flexible working, employee discounts, support for your health and wellbeing, and opportunities for training and development to grow your career and develop your skills.

There’s so much happening in our thriving borough, and now’s the perfect time to join our excellent Librariesteam as we work to make Barnsley the place of possibilities.

• We’re an award-winning team and one of the biggest employers in the borough supporting around 243,000 people.
• Working at Barnsley Council means being part of a team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where you can develop the skills you need to make change happen.
• If you join the team you’ll receive great pay alongside an excellent pension scheme. With flexible working we’ll also support your work/life balance, helping you to adjust your hours and take time off when you need it.
• We’ll help you to develop your career and grow your skills with opportunities for training and development.
• There’s so much happening in our thriving borough and your talent and skills will help us make Barnsley the place of possibilities .
• Key to our success is working with our residents, partners, businesses and organisations and building these partnerships to bring about change in Barnsley.

About The Post

An opportunity has arisen to work on a fixed term basis (suitable for secondment opportunities) as a Library Manager , to assist in leading a team of diverse and dedicated front line staff at our flagship Library@Lightbox based in The Glassworks redevelopment within Barnsley town centre.

Barnsley Libraries are nationally recognised as one of only thirteen Library National Portfolio Organisations with our ‘All In’ programme of culture and events now in its fourth year, delivering events such as the Barnsley Book Festival, creative commissions and artist workshops. We have also worked with partners from Arts Council England, and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority to secure funding to refurbish 12 of our branches, ensuring they are fit for the future and provide the services our residents need across our communities.

As a Library Manager no two days are the same as you could be assisting staff in deliver ing a range of statutory services, collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver activities and events for our residents while providing leadership to others within an inclusive and supportive team.

We are seeking resilient and hardworking individuals, who can rise to a challenge and are comfortable with dealing with a diversity of workload.

Why work for us?

We welcome the opportunity to have a chat about the role and are happy to address any questions you may have about flexible working arrangements, including as a result of caring responsibilities.

We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued and everyone truly feels able to be themselves. If you have any support needs during the recruitment process, please let us know.

At Barnsley Council, we believe in second chances and value diversity. Our recruitment process is inclusive, and we welcome applicants with past convictions. We're committed to fairness and do not discriminate. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #InclusiveHiring #SecondChances