Library Manager

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. 

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community and we will be the London Borough of Culture for 2020 so it is an exciting time to join us. 

Brent Libraries deliver customer focussed services in culture, learning and information in one of the most diverse boroughs in London. All of our libraries have self-service technology a quality and wide ranging book stock, a range of free online resources for learning and information, regular reading and development activities at all of our libraries and a year round programme of special events. 

The Post

The Library Manager post offers the opportunity to make a difference in Brent, managing frontline services to customers of all ages and backgrounds and developing new partnerships and programmes to engage users with our offer.

This role requires operational skills to manage a busy library environment with a mixed team of staff, ensuring the services delivered are of a high quality and responsive to the needs of our customers. Training and development of staff, as well as effective line management will be a key priority. 

The role will also support service wide development and strategic projects. Close partnership working with the wider Council and the local community sector will be important in raising the profile of library services and engaging residents with our offer. 

Our libraries are open seven days a week. Some evening and weekend working will be required. 

The Person

We are looking for candidates with an aptitude for working in a busy customer facing environment and the ability to engage and communicate with a diverse range of service users. 

Experience of working in, and leading, teams is required, along with the ability to demonstrate the good people skills necessary to provide a professional service and manage staff performance effectively.

You should have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and be able to express yourself clearly and confidently. We are also looking for someone with a track record of developing partnerships for programme delivery. 

Enthusiasm for books and reading and a passion for promoting culture, literacy and learning is essential.     

Increasing our usage with children and young people is a key priority for the service and we are particularly interested to hear from candidates with skills and experience in this area.

Closing Date: 17 October 2019 (23:00)

Assessment & Interview Date: To Be Confirmed 

Additional Information 

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. 

Applications are particularly welcome from people with disabilities and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) applicants as they are under-represented across the council. 

All organisations and individuals who work with children and young people, or are involved in providing services for them have a duty to safeguard and promote their welfare. 

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Before you join Brent Council, you will need to provide your National Insurance (NI) number and undergo a Home Office Standard I.D. check.

Applications from candidates who have applied for this role in the last 6 months will not be considered. 

Please note CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position. 

More Info:

Job Description