Description

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this role is £29,697 per annum for working 36 hours per week (two-week rota basis).

We are currently seeking a Library Branch Manager for Leatherhead and Bookham Libraries. You will also work at Dorking Library, which is in the same group, and will travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.

This position puts you at the heart of our communities, providing you with the opportunity to lead staff and volunteers in creating a dynamic library service that continually evolves to meet the needs of local communities.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Role

As a Branch Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of staff ensuring that excellent customer service is delivered at all levels in your library. Making use of your communication skills, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. You will provide training and development opportunities to staff while continuing to broaden your own knowledge.

Our Branch Managers play an integral role in helping us achieve an inclusive and active library service partly through the planning of cultural events. This could involve organising an author talk, arranging theatre activities, or facilitating the creation of a temporary dance space. Using your networking skills to build local partnerships, you will encourage learning, and support local health and wellbeing.

You will also oversee day-to-day activity in the library, which involves dealing with property issues, ensuring health and safety policy is adhered to, and managing customer comments, compliments, and complaints.

The role profile attached to the bottom of this advert provides a detailed list of what you might encounter while working as a Branch Manager. However, we recognise transferable skills and are committed to providing training. 

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Experience of managing and supporting teams through change
• Ability to work with peers at a management level
• Ability to build relationships and develop internal and external partnerships
• Problem solving skills and ability to take appropriate action
• IT skills to use the library management systems and the resilience to support with a broad range of customer queries

Application Questions

We want to find out how you will create an inclusive environment for staff and customers and ask that you answer the following questions as part of the application process (along with uploading your CV): 

1. What are your motivations for applying?
2. Name three things you would do to attract more people to our libraries, demonstrating how they align with our Surrey Way framework.
3. What qualities, experiences, and leadership approaches would make you an exceptional Library Manager?
4. Library Managers have to prioritise competing demands on a daily basis. Outline what experience you would bring to support you with this.

If you can match our energy for creating exceptional community spaces, we and our residents really want to hear from you.

Rota

Week 1

MON	TUE	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
OFF	9-5	8.30-5	8.30-5	9-5	9-5

MON	TUE	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
9-5	8.30-5	8.30-5	9-5	9-5	OFF

Please note that the above rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service, including occasionally covering until 7pm. This role covers both Leatherhead and Bookham Libraries. 

Please note there are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Craig Jones via email at c.jones@surreycc.gov.uk or Gemma Nash at gemma.nash@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 20/07/2025 with interviews planned to take place 28/07/2025.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. 

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. 

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Values

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and on-boarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

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