Library Branch Manager

Job Introduction

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 £30,647 per annum for working 36 hours per week (two-week rota basis).

We are currently seeking a Library Branch Manager for Woking Library. You may also be asked to work at Knaphill, West Byfleet, Chertsey and Addlestone Libraries, which are 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.

Our Offer to You 

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service 
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave 
• A generous local government salary related pension  
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year  
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave 
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing  
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources 
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping 
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

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. 

Your Application  

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours: 

• 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

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions: 

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 would you bring to support you with this.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. 

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

Rota

Week 1

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.

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 Rebecca Murray via email at rebecca.murray@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews to follow. 

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

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.  

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 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.