About

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Halesworth Library, Bridge Street, Halesworth IP19 8AD - on-site working
• Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 25.5 per week worked on a 2-week rota (Week 1: Tue 8.45am - 5.15pm, Wed 9am -1.30pm, Fri 8.45am - 5.15pm, Sat 8.45am - 5.15pm Week 2: Mon 8.45am - 1.15pm, Tue 8.45am - 5.15pm, Wed 8.45am - 5.15pm, Fri 9am - 1.30pm)
• Contract: Permanent
• Here at Suffolk County Council we’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Library Manager for Suffolk Community Libraries, you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
• Reimagine the possibilities.
• Your role and responsibilities
• As a Library Manager, you will lead and inspire a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to deliver a welcoming, customer-focused service at the heart of the community. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the library, ensuring high standards in customer care, stock management, and compliance with health and safety procedures. Building strong relationships with local stakeholders you will champion community engagement and promote innovative activities to increase library usage. Your role will also involve supporting staff development, managing income generation opportunities, and ensuring the library remains a vibrant, inclusive space for all. You will also be liaising and working alongside an active and involved Friends group.
• This is a lone working role.

You will need

• the ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team of staff and volunteers in providing a customer-focused and responsive service
• strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for engaging with people and building relationships
• a proactive approach and the ability to promote innovative ideas to increase library usage
• confident IT knowledge to support, assist, and train staff and customers in using various forms of technology, including computers, tablets, and smartphones
• the ability to prioritise and manage time effectively to achieve both individual and team goals
• strong communication and partnership skills to work effectively with stakeholders
• commitment to fairness, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for making a positive difference in Suffolk.
• You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
• The team
• Library Managers work within Suffolk Community Libraries’ local branches, supporting community engagement and delivering frontline services. The team collaborates with volunteers, community groups, and other council services to promote inclusive access to learning and information.
• Empowering Everyone
• We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
• For more information
• Please contact Amanda King for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07884 101295 or emailing amanda.king@suffolk.gov.uk.
• How to apply
• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.
• 1. Describe a time when you led a team through a period of change. How did you motivate staff and volunteers to remain engaged and positive?
• 2. Tell us about a situation where you had to manage competing priorities. How did you ensure both individual and team goals were achieved?
• 3. Can you share an experience where you built or maintained a successful partnership with an external group or organisation? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• 4. Tell us about a situation where you had to deal with a challenging customer or incident while working alone. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?
• Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
• We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
• If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

• Closing date: 11.30pm, 18 November 2025.
• Interview date: 2 December 2025 (at Bungay Library).
• This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite