Library Manager

We invite applications for the position of Library Manager, providing operational leadership for the Library@Lightbox located in the Glassworks square. This role offers an excellent opportunity for colleagues wishing to broaden their skills, extend their responsibilities, and gain experience in delivering effective operational management within a highly performing and supportive environment.

The postholder will lead a team of library staff, ensuring clear direction, effective workload management, and consistent communication. Responsibilities include managing staff absences, supporting recruitment processes, identifying and addressing training needs, contributing to staff development, and upholding expected standards of conduct and wellbeing. A key aspect of the role is helping the wider management team to foster a positive organisational culture and ensuring effective communication across the service.

The successful candidate will support the development and delivery of a varied programme of activities, outreach, and events. This includes working with community groups, partners, schools, and other public services. The postholder will also act as lead champion for one or more national Universal Offers, contributing to service innovation and continuous improvement.

Additional responsibilities include supervising volunteers, analysing customer feedback and performance data, supporting stock management processes, contributing to funding applications, and responding professionally to complex or escalated customer enquiries.

The role requires strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work proactively in a busy and evolving environment. The postholder must ensure compliance with relevant legislation, health and safety requirements, and Council policies and procedures.

This fixed-term opportunity is well-suited to colleagues seeking to develop managerial skills, broaden their operational experience, and contribute to the continued success of our public library services.

In addition to the attached job profile, this role will lead on the delivery of projects to improve the service, be it through externally funded initiatives supporting council or external agencies such as Arts Council England or assisting the wider management team to improve internal processes and introduce new initiatives including delivering associated training.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity, please contactmatthewholdroyd@barnsley.gov.uk