Library Enquiry Services Manager - HEO

The Welsh Government operates name‑free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate’s name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

The Welsh Government’s Knowledge and Library Service provides information and research services to policy and legal teams based in multiple locations. The library collection comprises print and digital resources supporting the development of policy and legislation in Wales and includes the official publications archive. The Library’s print collection is held in Cardiff although most services such as training, literature searching and enquiries are provided remotely.

Following a retirement in the Welsh Government Knowledge & Library Services team, we are seeking an Enquiry Services Manager to deliver services to Welsh Government’s policy and legal teams. The post currently line‑manages three librarians and task manages other team members, so experience of leading teams is essential. You’ll be working alongside two other team leaders to allocate and share resources and prioritise work.

Reporting to the Head of Knowledge & Library Services, you’ll have day‑to‑day responsibility for managing the literature search and enquiry services and helping develop these to meet changing needs. You’ll ensure customer satisfaction through effective monitoring of feedback and identify areas for improvement. You’ll also be involved in helping develop and define our training offering. As a subject‑matter expert, you’ll provide professional advice to support the Head of Knowledge and Library Services and the Chief Librarian.

• Line and task management of librarians (EO) and library assistants.
• Advice, support and training to the information professionals undertaking literature searches to ensure that standards are met and maintained.
• Manage and develop the literature search service, including allocation of work, setting deadlines, and quality checking.
• Collection and analysis of statistics relating to customer experience and service delivery to inform developments.
• Manage the general enquiry service by maintaining staffing levels and developing mechanisms for knowledge sharing.
• Engagement with stakeholders, suppliers and professional groups.
• Maintain an awareness of legislative developments as they relate to information and library management, including copyright, Re‑use of Public Sector Information (RPSI), FoI Publication Scheme requirements and copyright.

• Experience of providing information retrieval or enquiry services in a library or information service. Demonstrated ability to deliver services that meet organisational needs.
• Knowledge and experience of the policy and legal environment in which the Welsh Government operates.
• Experience of line and task management of a small team of librarians.
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in librarianship, information studies or information management.

Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, but they are desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.

Welsh Government values equality, diversity and inclusion and is committed to a flexible and fair recruitment process for all candidates.