Library Team Manager

Shared Services Partnership; North Hayling, Emsworth; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Assured Employee Support

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Occupational sick pay

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking a Library Team Manager to lead Hayling Island and Emsworth Libraries, shaping a dynamic community hub for residents. You will manage a team and volunteers, drive engagement, and contribute to the wider East area service across nine libraries.

The role is permanent, 22 hours per week, with a pro-rata salary between £34,273 and £37,570 per year (actual £20,378–£22,339). Requires driving, strong leadership, health and safety knowledge, and commitment to inclusive

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing and leading a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with staff, customers and partners.
• Ability to motivate, support and engage with team members.
• Community and customer-focused approach to library services.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements in a library environment.

Responsibilities

• Champion the role of libraries and provide opportunities for all ages to explore and engage.
• Manage and develop your team to reach the library's full potential.
• Support across a cluster of libraries to enhance service delivery.
• Oversee building management including health and safety and contractor management.
• Lead and implement countywide projects linked to the service vision.
• Collaborate with local partners to develop the library's role in the community.

Skills

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Motivate and engage

Community-focused

Organisational skills

Health and safety knowledge

Job description

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625257

Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 pro-rata, per annum (actual salary £20,378 - £22,339 per annum)

Work Location: Hayling Island Library, Hayling Island and Emsworth Library, Emsworth

Hours per week: 22

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 2 November 2026

Interview Date: 18 November 2026

The Role:

As a Library Team Manager, you’ll shape the culture and future of one of the busiest and most popular Library Services in the country. Hampshire Library Service, with 40 sites and over 4.8 million annual visitors, is looking for a dynamic Library Team Manager to lead Hayling Island and Emsworth Libraries.

Working with a large team of core staff and volunteers, you’ll be at the forefront of driving growth and engagement, ensuring our libraries remain vibrant community hubs. Alongside managing your core libraries, you’ll also contribute to the wider service by supporting all nine libraries across the East area – offering a diverse and rewarding leadership experience that spans multiple communities.

What you’ll be doing:

• Championing the role of our libraries by ensuring they provide opportunities for people of all ages to explore, engage, and discover.
• Managing and developing your team to ensure the library reaches its full potential.
• Providing support across a cluster of libraries to enhance service delivery.
• Overseeing building management including health and safety, contractor management, and staff training programs.
• Leading and implementing countywide projects linked to the service vision.
• Collaborating with local community partners and building outreach and project work to develop the role of the library within the community.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience of managing and leading a team, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate staff to deliver high quality services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with staff, customers, and community partners.
• Ability to motivate, support and engage with team members by understanding and adapting to their unique personalities and working styles.
• Community and customer-focused approach, dedicated to making a positive impact through library services.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements within a library or similar environment.

Why join us?

• Make a difference: Lead a committed and enthusiastic team who take pride in providing high quality customer service and making a difference to local residents and communities.
• Career growth and development: Take on a new challenge and make a significant impact.
• Work-life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life. The role will include working some weekends and occasional evening work.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other job titles you may be searching for: Library Service Team Manager, Library Manager, Library Supervisor, Team Leader, Library Supervisor, Library Coordinator, Manager.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Library Team Manager Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children's Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact [e-mail]
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Liz Weighell, Area Manager - East on [e-mail]

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.