Assistant Library Manager at Suffolk County Council

Ipswich, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jun, 26

Salary

28598.0

Posted On

25 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Customer Service, Communication, Team Leadership, Operations Management, Stock Management, Activity Planning, Staff Support, Room Bookings, Civil Ceremonies Coordination, IT Literacy, Social Media Engagement, Problem Solving, Flexibility, Community Engagement, Safeguarding Compliance, Initiative

Industry

Government Administration

Description

* Suffolk County Council * Address: Ipswich County Library, Ipswich, IP1 3DE - On-site working * Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata for part time) * Hours: 37 hours per week- flexible working options available * Contract: Permanent 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 an Assistant Library Manager 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 an Assistant Library Manager, you’ll play a key part in shaping a welcoming, vibrant, and community‑focused library environment. Working closely with the Library Manager, you’ll help lead a dedicated team, support the smooth running of daily operations, and ensure every visitor enjoys an excellent experience. From championing inclusive services and engaging activities to overseeing stock, supporting staff, maintaining high standards across the branch, managing room bookings and assisting with the coordination of civil ceremonies you’ll be at the heart of ensuring the library remains a trusted, inspiring space for everyone. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role where your initiative, creativity, and commitment to outstanding service will make a real difference to the community. This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting. You will need We’re looking for someone who: * Can deliver great customer service to people of all ages. * Communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community. * Is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions. * Is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too. * Has strong organisational skills with the ability to manage stock, plan activities, and maintain a safe, well-presented environment. * Has the ability to stay calm, professional, and solution‑focused in challenging situations. * Can be flexible to support different branches when required, including some weekend and evening work. If you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus. You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22596-Assistant-Library-Manager-JPP.docx]. 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 You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive. 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 [https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/the-councils-equality-and-inclusion-commitment-to-you]. For more information Please contact Charmain Osborne for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing charmain.osborne@suffolk.gov.uk [charmain.osborne@suffolk.gov.uk]. How to apply Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word) [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/22596-Assistant-Library-Manager-JPP.docx]. 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 [https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/Other-Docs/SupportingStatementTemplate.docx]. 1. Give an example of when you had to step up and cover for a manager or take responsibility during a period of absence. How did you keep services running smoothly? 2. Describe a time you promoted a service, activity, or offer to increase engagement from a diverse group of people. How did you tailor your approach and measure success? 3. Tell us about a time you had to ensure compliance with procedures such as health and safety, safeguarding, data protection, or financial processes. How did you make sure standards were met? Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/657088]. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/764097] to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed. Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages [https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/757078]. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments. Closing date: 11.30pm, 7 April 2026. Interview date: 23 April 2026. 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 As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities. In return, you’ll enjoy: * up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days * membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) * travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits * performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase * training and encouragement to expand your knowledge * a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation * diverse and active staff networks * flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) [https://careers.suffolk.gov.uk/].

Responsibilities

The Assistant Library Manager will collaborate with the Library Manager to lead the team, support daily operations, and ensure an excellent visitor experience while championing inclusive services and managing branch standards. This hands-on role involves overseeing stock, supporting staff, managing room bookings, and assisting with civil ceremonies coordination.