Branch Manager - Guildford Library Branch Manager - Guildford Library

As a Branch Manager you will be responsible for managing a team of staff, ensuring that excellent customer service is delivered at all levels in your libraries. Making use of your communication skills, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. You will provide training and development opportunities to staff while continuing to broaden your own knowledge.
Our Branch Managers play an integral role in helping us achieve an inclusive and active library service partly through the planning of cultural events. This could involve organising an author talk, arranging theatre activities, or facilitating the creation of a temporary dance space. Using your networking skills to build local partnerships, you will encourage learning, and support local health and wellbeing.
You will also oversee day-to-day activity in the library, which involves dealing with property issues, ensuring health and safety policy is adhered to, and managing customer comments, compliments, and complaints.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Enthusiastic about sharing books and information with others


• Good IT skills which allow you to use library management systems


• The resilience to deal with a broad range of customer queries


The role profile attached to the bottom of this advert provides a detailed list of what you might encounter while working as a Branch Manager. However, we recognise transferable skills and are committed to providing training. We want to find out how you will create an inclusive environment for staff and customers and ask that you answer the following questions as part of the application process (along with uploading your CV):
1. What part of the job profile attracted you most to apply for this role?
2. How do you think you could make libraries more important within their communities?
3. How would your previous experience make you a successful Branch Manager? What would make you stand out as a manager from others?
4. Library Branch Managers must juggle various priorities daily. What experience would you bring to support you with this?

If you can match our energy for creating exceptional community spaces, we and our residents really want to hear from you. We also invite you to read our Life at Surrey handbook to see insights into the culture at Surrey and how you can help shape our Council.
Rota
Week 1: Monday 9am-5:30pm, Tuesday 10:00am-7:00pm, Wednesday Off, Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm, Friday 10:00am-5:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm and Sunday Off.
Week 2: Monday 10am-5:30pm, Tuesday 10:00am-7:00pm, Wednesday 9am-5:30pm, Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm, Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday Off and Sunday Off.
Please note that the above rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service.
Location
Although based at Guildford Library you will also work at Cobham and Horsley Libraries, which are in the same group, and will travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.
There are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.

The starting salary for this role is £29,697 per annum, working 36 hours per week (on a two-week rota basis).
This is a Fixed-Term/Secondment position until August 2025.
If you enjoy working in an ever-changing environment, then this role is for you!
This position puts you at the heart of our communities, providing you with the opportunity to lead staff and volunteers in creating a dynamic library service that continually evolves to meet the needs of local communities.
Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service


• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave


• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing


• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year


• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave


• A generous local government salary related pension


• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more


• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year


• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources