Head of Libraries and Communities

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join us as Head of Libraries and Communities
. The role reports to the Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities and involves providing strategic direction and leadership for our Libraries and Communities Service.

Our Libraries and Communities Service is part of the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills directorate within the Culture, Rural and Safer Communities service area. It includes 43 libraries and 2 mobile libraries – 16 managed by the council and 27 community managed – as well as a Prison Library Service. The service is embedded within the council’s Cultural and Communities Strategies, working to increase local engagement and support county priorities.

As Head of Libraries and Communities you will:

• Lead the implementation of a new library strategy to transform libraries into Community Hubs, improving access to local services and encouraging greater engagement with the community offer.
• Ensure efficient management of financial budgets and resources.
• Develop and deliver strategies, policies and effective partnerships to improve outcomes for Staffordshire residents.
• Inspire and lead high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and value for money.

Ideally you will have:

• A degree or equivalent level qualification.
• Extensive experience in libraries or community services; an MBA or equivalent management qualification/experience is preferred.
• Either a Chartered Librarian status or a relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Significant senior leadership experience within a local authority.
• A thorough understanding of public libraries and the ability to manage a service area at a strategic level.
• Excellent financial, analytical, leadership and communication skills.
• The ability to think strategically, with a creative and proactive approach, operating with integrity and credibility.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package within a high‑performing and supportive team. Flexible working is available and we value transferable skills – if you feel you meet many but not all requirements you can have an informal chat with Catherine Mann.

Applications are anonymised during shortlisting. We will hold interviews during the weeks starting 2nd or 9th February. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and communities. We also support care leavers and offer a guaranteed interview where minimum criteria are met.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.