Libraries Manager

The Libraries and Heritage Service at Gateshead Council plays a vital role in supporting learning, wellbeing and community connection across the borough. Our libraries are inclusive, welcoming spaces that enable access to free books and heritage collections, trusted information and digital resources, while promoting reading for pleasure and wellbeing at every stage of life. Our teams deliver activities across Gateshead in library buildings and community venues, including our well established programme of creative activities for all ages.

We work with partners to build use of our facilities and support residents to get the help they need close to home. Our specialist teams work to promote reading for pleasure for all ages, as well as to deliver digital and heritage activities. Lead, innovate and inspire across Libraries and Heritage Services We are seeking an enthusiastic, forward-thinking and experienced professional to play a leading role in the management, development and delivery of high-quality Library services.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape services that support learning, culture, health and wellbeing, while ensuring they remain relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our communities. As a Library Manager, you will take an active role in the overall management of Library and Heritage Services, driving service improvement, project delivery and innovation. You will lead specialist areas of work, develop strategic partnerships and ensure that services contribute to wider Council priorities, including community based support, wellbeing and Thrive objectives.

The role requires a proactive leader who can manage people, projects, budgets and resources while maintaining excellent customer service standards across the service. What you'll get to do:

• Take an active role in the overall management of library services including project management and service development and ensuring a consistently high standard of customer service.
• Work with teams to ensure the development and delivery of library and heritage services meet the needs of specific user groups.
• Manage staff, including providing support, guidance, supervision, development, training and performance management, and to ensure resources are allocated accordingly
• Lead on the collation and recording of relevant, accurate information and intelligence as required. To carry out robust evaluation of activities to ensure the service is meeting Council priorities.
• Act as the senior on duty for the service, dealing with urgent management requests from all teams
• Develop new and existing partnerships and opportunities for working collaboratively with stakeholders, linking to the overall public health and wellbeing offer and Thrive priorities.
• Manage budgets, collections and assets to respond to changing customer need and Council priorities. To manage the procurement of library resources in compliance with Council policies and procedures
• To lead on programme development within a specialist area and contribute to the wider Libraries and Heritage service priorities.
• Ensure continuous professional development through regional and national networks and gather and disseminate knowledge and training to the wider staff group.
• Ensure premises are well managed in accordance with Council and service policies and procedures and take action on any health and safety concerns for library buildings or services.
  Degree in Library and Information Management (or equivalent professional qualification), with a strong understanding of the role libraries play in supporting communities.
• Proven experience of managing and developing library, heritage, cultural or community-focused services, delivering improvements that meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience of motivating, developing and supporting teams to deliver excellent customer service.
• Excellent partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with communities, organisations and partners to maximise impact.
• Experience of creating and delivering innovative programmes, events or services that increase participation, engagement and community wellbeing.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills, with the ability to build positive relationships, influence others and respond effectively to changing priorities.
• A passion for customer-focused services and community wellbeing, with a commitment to promoting inclusion, accessibility…