Library Manager

Are you inspired by the challenge of providing outstanding library services to vibrant, diverse communities? Do you have excellent people management skills? West Sussex Library Service is looking for a Library Manager to oversee the day-to-day management of Shoreham Library, Lancing Library, Southwick Library and its teams. Our libraries deliver essential community-based support, promoting the benefits of reading for everyone, offering a quality, trusted information service, bridging digital inclusion through supporting safe access to online resources, and curating a programme of events and activities that meet the needs of targeted audiences. The role demands exceptional people management skills, a strong understanding of a library or customer service environment, and a keen ability to organise both staff and resources effectively. Salary: £36,363 to £39,152 per annum Contract Type: Fixed term contract until 01 November 2027. Final start and end dates will be confirmed with the successful candidate. Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week) Location: Shoreham-by-Sea Library , St Marys Road, Shoreham, BN43 5ZA Interview Date: Friday 19 December 2025 Internal candidates wishing to apply for this role will be considered for a secondment position. Please can you therefore discuss and agree this with your manager before applying for this position. About the Job Shoreham-by-Sea is a vibrant, bustling local library at the heart of our community, situated opposite the historic St Mary de Haura church. We are seeking a dedicated professional to be involved in all aspects of the service, working closely with a range of external and internal stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our libraries. The successful candidate will be a key member of our Key Management Team. It’s not just about the books We are looking for someone who understands the power of community and the importance of fostering a love for reading in people of all ages. Your responsibilities will include: Demonstrate effective leadership by overseeing recruitment processes, coordinating staff training, managing performance reviews, and planning for appraisals. Handle complex employee relations situations, including monitoring sickness absence, and ensure the appropriate application and implementation of relevant HR policies. Support the Lead Managers in the operational delivery of the library business plan. Participate actively in establishing and executing service priorities across libraries within a designated area by developing a Team Action Plan aligned with the Service Business Plan. Manage resource procurement within established budgets and authorise claims for salaries and travel expenses. The variety of our work means that no two days are the same. We get huge job satisfaction from helping everyone who comes through our doors, and you could too Required Qualifications and Skills Degree level qualification or equivalent relevant qualification, for example, Chartered Librarian, qualified librarian or ACLIP (Affiliate Certified Library and Information Professional), or demonstrable experience demonstrating that level of numeracy and literacy. Knowledge and understanding of public library services, including a comprehensive awareness of various customer types and their specific needs. Familiarity with the operational requirements involved in the daily management of a library. Prior experience in delivering a customer focused library service within established performance standards, preferably within a public library setting. Experience in managing and developing staff, both in supporting individual professional growth and fostering an effective team that collaborates to achieve objectives within specified timeframes. For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached. Rewards and Benefits 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. 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: You will benefit from 27 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service plus the opportunity to buy additional leave, an excellent as well as a range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Further Information The reference number for this role is CPP01250 . Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Struggling to apply? in a library near you to get help navigating our application form (subject to availability) Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, satisfactory references, and a health check. Equity, inclusion, and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our page.