Libraries & Community Area Lead

• Libraries_and_Community_Area_Lead_job_description

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Are you a creative, energetic and versatile person with a passion for delivering services to the community?

Wokingham Borough Council are looking for a Libraries & Community Area Lead for Wokingham & the South of the Borough on a full time, permanent basis.

Join our team in a dynamic role where you’ll make a real difference by working directly with the public—celebrating rewarding moments while navigating the occasional challenges that come with diverse needs and expectations.

The role is part of the leadership team for the council's Community and Partnerships Team. The service supports delivery of key strategic objectives such as the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Customer Communities and Partnership Programme, Tackling Poverty Strategy and wider Public Health approaches.
The service supports various projects locally aiming to strengthen our social fabric whilst fostering a sense of local pride, inclusion and belonging. This is achieved through provision of services and activities that meet identified need within our community, enhances physical, cultural and social ties and give access to local amenities, services and community-led projects.

Benefits:

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ Enrolment to an excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver day to day operational management of one large library open 7 days a week, and three smaller libraries, one of which is community lead
• Lead a team of library staff
• Lead a team of community engagement staff

Candidate Requirements:

• You will have a solid understanding of delivering in the library sector. You will also have a strong understanding of community engagement and how to engage with a wide range of residents with a wide range of needs outside of the library environment. The role involves management of buildings and ensuring safe working practices within the council's health and safety frameworks. Weekly working until 7pm is required, as is working two out of three Saturdays.
• You will need energy and drive, leadership qualities and a strong results focus to thrive in this role. You will manage, lead, inspire and motivate a team of dedicated staff and volunteers across the borough.
• Partnership working is central to our vision for our services. You will need the ability to develop new and existing partnerships with public and voluntary sector providers. There will be the opportunity to apply for and deliver grant-funded activities.
• The role requires a creative thinker, someone who can seek out new opportunities for the service but also the ability to deliver and implement on the ground.

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Alternatively, for an informal discussion please contact: Richard Alexander, Service Manager at richard.alexander@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: 11.00pm 18 January 2026

Interview date: TBC

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.     

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. 

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.