Team Manager - Contracted Library Services

West Sussex County Council; Worthing; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Worthing is seeking a proactive Team Manager for the Schools Library Service and prison library. The ideal candidate will manage library services, oversee staff, and ensure compliance with performance standards. Required qualifications include a Chartered Librarian credential and NVQ level 4 in management. This role offers 30 days of annual leave, an excellent pension scheme, and the chance to positively impact community outcomes.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Discounts and offers for staff

Qualifications

• Chartered Librarian credential or equivalent experience required.
• NVQ level 4 in management or similar.
• Experience in line management and team development.
• Ability to work collaboratively for service development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage specialist library services to schools and at Ford Prison.
• Monitor service level agreements and manage budgets.
• Chair service projects and contribute to corporate projects.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.

Skills

Customer-focused service

Team development

Collaborative working

Presentation skills

Education

Chartered Librarian credential

NVQ level 4 in management

Job description

Our staff make great things happen in libraries every day - inspiring readers of all ages, helping people get online safely and bringing communities together. As a Team Manager, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing specialised library services including managing the dedicated staff of the Schools Library Service and the prison library, as well as overseeing the provision of both physical and digital resources through various channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage specialist library services to schools and at Ford Prison, ensuring that key performance indicators are being met.
• Monitor service level agreements for the Schools Library Service (SLS) and Ford Prison Library; working with WSCC Services for Education and HMP Ford managing the collection and allocation of budgets.
• Manage and chair service projects and/or reviews or contribute to corporate projects by challenging existing practices and generating ideas and solutions.
• Responsible for the comprehensive line management of 5 to 10 subject matter experts, including overseeing their professional development, and ensuring the efficient allocation of staffing resources in collaboration with the senior management team.
• Advise schools and Prison Service managers to ensure a safe working environment for staff and clients, including compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and West Sussex best practices, and to escalate issues as appropriate.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and relish being part of a close-knit team, supporting colleagues to deliver better outcomes for the residents of West Sussex. We want to hear from you!

About the Team

West Sussex Library Service is seeking a proactive and experienced professional to join the Contracted Library Services team. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to identify opportunities and possibilities within the Schools Library Service and Ford Prison commissioned services, which serve distinct but equally important groups of customers. They will also be active contributors to the Library Service key management team.

Qualifications

• Chartered Librarian credential or an appropriate qualification, or alternative experience demonstrating an equivalent level of expertise.
• NVQ level 4 in management or equivalent qualification or experience demonstrating direction, facilitating change and improving organisational performance.
• Proven experience in providing a customer-focused service within established performance standards, potentially within a library setting.
• Experience in line management and in developing a cohesive team to collaboratively achieve objectives within established deadlines.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external organisations to identify potential opportunities for service development.
• Able to present information clearly, concisely, and accurately, ensuring it promotes understanding through verbal, written, or electronic communication. This includes preparing reports for senior management, delivering presentations, and effectively promoting services.

From access to our Employee Assistance Programme to training and development opportunities, we aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

Benefits

We think libraries are great places to work, where you can make a difference to local communities every day. Find out more about the variety that comes with working in a library and hear first-hand from some of our library staff here: Library Jobs - West Sussex. You will benefit from 30 days annual leave plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent local government pension scheme as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers.