Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend City Council has a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Library manager to join the Southend Libraries team on a full time and permanent basis. As a member of the Library Management team, you will play a pivotal role in leading the operational delivery of the Southend Library Service.

There are 6 library locations across Southend, including the main library provision at the Forum. The Forum is a unique partnership which has brought together a state-of-the-art library, cultural and learning facilities to the heart of Southend City Centre. By pooling resources in this way, the three partners can offer residents and students alike unprecedented access to the books, archives and records they jointly hold.

This full-time role will be primarily based at the Forum but the postholder will work collaboratively with the other Senior Library Manager across the whole service. You will have direct line management responsibility for the operational library at the Forum, and on occasion will deputise for the Library Operations Group Manager. You will lead, manage, motivate, train and develop all frontline operational library staff, to ensure all customers receive a welcoming reception and a high quality and enjoyable experience.

This is a key role in supporting the partnership between the council, University of Essex and South Essex Colleges Group. Experience of managing complex relationships will be essential. The postholder will be required to have a background in delivering library services, along with experience of managing and leading teams within an ever changing environment. Your problem solving skills will be put to the test on a daily basis and you will need to have a future focussed approach that can easily respond to different and changing demands. You will have a positive attitude and will be able to adapt to the pace of change. The Forum Southend is open for 64 hours each week over 6 days.

As a result, flexibility will be required in working hours, which will primarily be worked Monday – Friday but will include the occasional Saturday and evenings. There may also be occasions where you will be required to work at other library locations within the City , for which you will be required to be mobile and move around the City. You will have good working knowledge of Health & Safety at Work policies, Risk Assessments, DSE Assessments, Manual Handling Assessments etc.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Application Deadline: 28th August
Interview Dates: Friday 12^th and Monday 15^th Sept. 

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.