Library Manager

NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL; Newport; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

26 days annual leave + options to buy

Growth and development opportunities

Staff Networks and open culture

Flexible working options

Job summary

Newport City Council is seeking an experienced Library Manager to lead statutory services across Newport, delivering community-led, accessible services. You will lead a dedicated team, manage budgets, secure funding, and collaborate with partners and volunteers to embed the Community Led Libraries approach.

You'll combine strategic thinking with strong operational leadership to improve literacy, reading culture, and wellbeing, ensuring our libraries remain welcoming hubs for residents across the

Qualifications

• Degree-level professional library qualification.
• Significant experience managing library services and leading teams.
• Strong experience of staff, performance and budget management.
• Ability to develop and implement projects, strategies and service improvements.
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders at a senior level.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of strategic landscape for library services, including community-led approaches and Welsh Government priorities.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and delivering outstanding services for local communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of statutory library services across Newport.
• Lead a dedicated team and work with partners, volunteers and communities.
• Manage budgets, resources and external funding opportunities.
• Ensure services are accessible, vibrant and community-led.
• Drive performance, develop innovative service models and secure funding.

Skills

Library management

Team leadership

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Equality & inclusion

Education

Degree-level library qualification

Job description

Post No. POSN002941 - Library Manager

Newport Libraries are evolving, and we're looking for an exceptional Library Manager to lead the next stage of that journey.

As Library Manager, you will oversee the delivery of statutory library services across Newport, leading a dedicated team and working with partners, volunteers and communities to embed and continuously develop our successful Community Led Libraries approach.

You'll be responsible for ensuring high-quality service delivery across our network of libraries while delivering on National Strategies, as well as the priorities set out in the Newport Library Strategy 2026-2029, which is to deliver an accessible, vibrant and community-led service which supports literacy, promotes reading and where everyone feels empowered to create, connect, and discover new opportunities. You'll lead operational performance, manage budgets and resources, secure external funding opportunities, and ensure our libraries remain welcoming, relevant and valued community assets.

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, translating ambition into outcomes that make a real difference to residents across the city.

Why This Role Matters

Libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They are vibrant community hubs that help people learn, connect, access opportunities and improve their wellbeing. The impact is already being seen. Membership has grown substantially, digital borrowing continues to increase, community participation has expanded and Newport Libraries now reach residents in new and innovative ways. At the same time, financial pressures across the public sector mean services must continue to adapt, innovate and demonstrate value.

As Library Manager, you'll lead a service that makes a real difference to people's lives every day. From developing innovative service models and securing external funding opportunities, to delivering the Newport Library Strategy and ensuring statutory library services are effectively provided, your leadership will help shape how residents engage with learning, culture and community services across the city.

This is a highly influential role where you'll have the opportunity to drive innovation, build strong partnerships and support communities to thrive.

What You'll Bring

• A degree-level professional library qualification.
• Significant experience managing library services and leading teams.
• Strong experience of staff, performance and budget management.
• The ability to develop and implement projects, strategies and service improvements.
• Experience of working with partners and stakeholders at a senior level.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• An understanding of the strategic landscape for library services, including community-led approaches and Welsh Government priorities.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and delivering outstanding services for local communities.

Why Join Us?

• A generous pension contribution scheme.
• 26 days annual leave with the option to purchase up to one-week additional leave.
• Vast opportunities for growth, progression, and development.
• Opportunities to join a range of Staff Networks consisting of working groups that support the Council's open and diverse culture.
• Flexible working options.

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Our values - Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together

Ein gwerthoedd - Ein Gwerthoedd, Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd