Library Team Manager

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC623477
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Chandler’s Ford Library, Chandler’s Ford
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 16 March 2026
Interview Date: 30 March 2026

The Role:

As a Library Team Manager, you’ll shape the culture and future of one of the busiest and most popular Library Services in the country. Hampshire Library Service, with 40 sites and over 4.8 million annual visitors, is looking for a dynamic Library Team Manager to join our team. In your first year, you’ll consolidate your leadership skills within a smaller community setting at Bishop’s Waltham & Netley Libraries. This initial year offers the chance to embed yourself in the role and work closely with experienced Library Team Managers across the local area. After this first year, you’ll move to Chandler’s Ford Library, a larger and more complex site where you’ll bring your developed skills to a high profile, busy library environment.

In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of driving growth and engagement, ensuring our libraries remain vibrant community hubs. Alongside managing your core library, you’ll also contribute to the wider service by supporting all eight libraries across the Winchester and Eastleigh area - offering a diverse and rewarding leadership experience that spans multiple communities.

What you’ll do:

• Champion the role of library by ensuring it provides opportunities for people of all ages to explore, engage, and discover.
• Manage and develop your team to ensure the library reaches its full potential.
• Provide support to ensure effective collaborative working across a cluster of libraries, enhancing service delivery.
• Oversee building management including health and safety, contractor management, and staff training programs. 
• Lead and implement countywide projects linked to the service vision.
• Collaborate with local community partners and build outreach and project work to develop the role of the library within the community. 

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience of managing and leading a team, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate staff to deliver high quality services.
• Strong people skills to interact effectively with staff and customers.
• Ability to motivate, support and engage team members by understanding and adapting to their unique personalities and working styles.
• Community and customer-focused approach, dedicated to making a positive impact through library services.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and turn ideas into actionable, achievable outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience of health and safety requirements within public service environments.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Library Team Manager role. The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements in your application.

Why join us?

• Make a difference: Lead a committed and enthusiastic team who take pride in providing high quality customer service and making a difference to local residents and communities.
• Career growth and development: Take on a new challenge and make a significant impact.
• Work-life balance: Enjoy a fulfilling career with a good balance between work and home life. The role will include working some weekends and occasional evening work.
• Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.  
   

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date. 
 

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.  
 

Other job titles you may be searching for: Library Service Team Manager, Library Manager, Library Supervisor, Team Leader, Library Supervisor, Library Coordinator, Manager.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within Hampshire, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Library Team Manager Candidate Pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Marie Jeffery, Area Manager on marie.jeffery@hants.gov.uk