To be confirmed (On-Site)
Permanent, Full time
No DBS check required
Level 9:- £41,511 - £46,731 per annum pro rata
About Us
North Somerset Council is dedicated to delivering high quality services and aims to create a fair, green, and inclusive environment for all residents.
Our libraries are vibrant community and digital centres, open to everyone, aiming to improve lives and meet local needs. As well as offering books and information, they provide access to online services, enhance well-being and bring the community together by hosting cultural events and activities. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact to our community.
The Role
We are looking for a positive and energetic leader to become our Libraries Services Development Manager. This key service leadership role involves being an active member of the Library Management Team and reporting directly to the Head of Libraries and Community. You will be a Chartered Member of CILIP and give professional support and direction to a small team of Librarians, who you will manage. You will create new opportunities for events, partnerships, and projects, and engage with local communities to co-design solutions and understand their needs. You will actively seek out and apply for funding opportunities to enable the service to deliver activities against strategic priorities.
You will lead specific workstreams and projects which may change over time and be responsible for developing and delivering a variety of activities, initiatives, and events to support the national Universal Offers and the North Somerset Libraries Strategy . As the Library Service is entering a period of change, you will help lead, shape, and deliver this transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
This role is 37 hours per week, but we are open to considering a 33-hour per week arrangement.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way, although this may vary according to the needs of the service:
Flexible Worker
Please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about public libraries and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Emma Wellard, Head of Libraries and Community, at emma.wellard@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426477
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Anticipated interview date: Friday 14 March 2025
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
North Somerset Council is dedicated to delivering high quality services and aims to create a fair, green, and inclusive environment for all residents.
Our libraries are vibrant community and digital centres, open to everyone, aiming to improve lives and meet local needs. As well as offering books and information, they provide access to online services, enhance well-being and bring the community together by hosting cultural events and activities. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact to our community.
The Role
We are looking for a positive and energetic leader to become our Libraries Services Development Manager. This key service leadership role involves being an active member of the Library Management Team and reporting directly to the Head of Libraries and Community. You will be a Chartered Member of CILIP and give professional support and direction to a small team of Librarians, who you will manage. You will create new opportunities for events, partnerships, and projects, and engage with local communities to co-design solutions and understand their needs. You will actively seek out and apply for funding opportunities to enable the service to deliver activities against strategic priorities.
You will lead specific workstreams and projects which may change over time and be responsible for developing and delivering a variety of activities, initiatives, and events to support the national Universal Offers and the North Somerset Libraries Strategy . As the Library Service is entering a period of change, you will help lead, shape, and deliver this transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Suggest and implement service improvements within an agreed plan
- Manage budgets and seek external funding to support service initiatives.
- Boost participation through targeted marketing or engagement plans.
- Motivate, support and manage staff, set and monitor targets, develop service plans, and evaluate performance.
- Communicate effectively with regional partners, colleagues, and communities
- A valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.
This role is 37 hours per week, but we are open to considering a 33-hour per week arrangement.
Work Style
At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way, although this may vary according to the needs of the service:
Flexible Worker
- 2-3 days per week in the office at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare
- Works from home, office and library locations across North Somerset, depending on the task at hand.
Please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about public libraries and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria:
- A Level 6/7 qualification in a relevant subject, such as Library and / or Information Management, accredited by CILIP
- Chartered membership of CILIP
- Significant experience working in a challenging and / or complex role in a library environment.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in motivating and managing a team.
- Experience in managing resources, including budgets and people.
- Ability to set and monitor targets, develop service plans, and evaluate performance.
- Proven experience in delivering diverse activity and events programmes.
- Experience in managing library stock and increasing participation through marketing or engagement plans.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
- Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet .
How to Apply
If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Emma Wellard, Head of Libraries and Community, at emma.wellard@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426477
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
Anticipated interview date: Friday 14 March 2025
Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: Sun 02/03/2025 at 00:00
Job reference: CSDA0147