Library Operations Manager

About Us

At North Somerset Council, we’re committed to providing great services and making our area a fairer, greener, and more inclusive place to live. Our libraries are welcoming spaces for everyone - places where people can read, learn, connect, and take part in local life. As well as books and information, we offer digital access, support for health and wellbeing, and a wide range of events and activities. Join us and help make a real difference in your community.

The Role

We’re looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Operations Manager to join our Libraries Team. This team runs library services across North Somerset, giving people access to books, information, and a variety of cultural, digital, learning, and wellbeing activities.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help lead and improve our library services. You’ll play a key role in putting our Libraries Strategy into action and making sure our services meet the needs of local communities.

As part of the Library Management Team, you’ll report to the Head of Libraries and Community. You will also work collaboratively with colleagues who manage our other community venues and with other Council teams. You will be responsible for making sure that the day-to-day running of the service is smooth and efficient. You will also lead on specific projects, organise events and activities.

Our library service is going through a period of change, and we’re looking for someone who can help lead that change in a positive and effective way.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support staff to make sure library services run smoothly and efficiently across all locations.
• Review and improve policies and procedures to help the service to continuously develop.
• Help shape and deliver both long-term plans and day-to-day service improvements.
• Share information clearly and on time with colleagues, making sure communication flows well between teams and decision-makers.
• Take the lead on staffing matters—making sure we have the right people in the right places and dealing with HR issues as they arise.
• Provide advice to staff and customers on safety and legal requirements, and work closely with the council’s health and safety team.
• Work with colleagues and contractors to keep library buildings in good condition and make sure they meet legal and safety standards.
• Work with other teams and outside organisations on joint projects and look at how national or local initiatives could be used in our libraries.
• Take the lead on key projects that support the delivery of our 10-year Library Strategy.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Salary

The salary scale is career grade Level 8:- £37,938 - £40,476 – Level 9:- £41,511 - £46,731 per annum. Appointment is made at the bottom of Level 8 and progression to the higher grade can be requested annually. Progression is dependent on assessment of desired skills and competences.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days per week in the office at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare
• Works from home, office and library locations across North Somerset, depending on the task at hand.

Please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

About You

We’re looking for someone who cares about the role libraries play in local communities and who brings the right mix of experience, skills, and enthusiasm. Ideally, you will have:

• A passion for providing library services that reflect the needs of local people.
• Extensive practical experience of working in libraries or a similar setting and / or an approved relevant professional qualification at level 5 or above.
• Experience in managing day-to-day services and operations, ideally in a large organisation.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and their application to the library environment.
• Experience in managing, supervising and motivating staff.
• A strong focus on delivering great customer service and achieving positive outcomes.
• The ability to communicate clearly and confidently with a wide range of people and organisations.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload.
• Confidence in analysing situations and making decisions to improve how things are done.
• Experience of working in partnership with others and being part of joint projects.
• The ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• A practical approach to solving problems and finding workable solutions.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Emma Wellard, Head of Libraries and Community, at emma.wellard@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 426477.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: 20 and 21 August 2025 (to be confirmed)

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

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

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.