Library jobs in Windsor and Maidenhead

Library Manager
Job Ref: Merton 5298430
Pay Rate: £20.96 per hour PAYE
Hours per week: 35 Monday – Friday, 9:00-17:00
Successful candidates will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
This opening assignment is for 12 months
Morden SM4 5DX

Summary of what the candidate must have to apply:

• 2+ years' experience working within a library service
• 2+ years' experience managing staff, including rotas, performance management, training and development
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support a team
• Experience delivering excellent customer service in a public-facing environment
• Experience monitoring performance, meeting targets and driving improvements
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Good IT skills and confidence using multiple systems
• Understanding of how libraries support local communities
• Ability to build positive relationships with customers, partners and stakeholders
• Enhanced DBS required upon appointment

The role: As Library Manager, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of a designated library or group of libraries, ensuring the delivery of an excellent, customer-focused service. You will manage staff, volunteers and site resources, oversee building compliance and performance, and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to maximise community engagement and service impact. The role requires a proactive leader who can drive service improvements, support organisational change, and ensure libraries continue to meet the needs of local communities.

Key accountabilities:

• Lead, motivate and manage library staff, volunteers and contractors to deliver high-quality customer service.
• Manage recruitment, induction, training, performance management and staff development activities.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, appraisals and development planning for team members.
• Oversee rota management and resource deployment to ensure effective service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, safeguarding, council policies and audit requirements.
• Take responsibility for the management and maintenance of library buildings and facilities.
• Monitor performance against service targets and implement improvement plans where required.
• Build strong relationships with local communities, partners and stakeholders to promote library services.
• Support the delivery of local and national campaigns, events and community initiatives.
• Handle customer feedback and complaints professionally, ensuring timely resolution.
• Promote digital inclusion and support customers in accessing technology and online services.
• Monitor budgets and income targets, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Act as a key holder and respond to emergency call-outs when required.
• Contribute to service development, innovation and the implementation of new ways of working.

Requirements/key criteria:

Essential:

• Minimum two years' experience working within a library service.
• Minimum two years' experience managing staff, including supervision, performance management, training and development.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing service performance, setting objectives and delivering continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of how libraries contribute to community needs and local authority priorities.
• Excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience building effective relationships with stakeholders, partners and local communities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Confident using a range of IT systems and digital technologies.
• Experience monitoring targets, analysing performance data and implementing action plans.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements and building management responsibilities.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing service needs.

Desirable:

• Experience managing volunteers within a public-facing service.
• Experience working within local government or public sector services.
• Experience managing budgets and income targets.
• Experience leading service change, transformation or improvement projects.

How to Apply

• Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application.
• Submit your CV in Word format.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended.

We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.


Qualification details and any other experience/skills relevant to the role to help support your application should be clearly shown in your CV.