Peripatetic Library Manager

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About the role

We are looking to recruit a Peripatetic Manager to the North Northamptonshire Council Library Team. The Peripatetic Manager is responsible for supporting project implementations and outreach activities. They also assume Library Manager responsibilities, in the absence of a Library Manager.

We are looking for someone who is driven to provide high quality, effective, and community focused support to staff, colleagues and residents, someone who thrives working in a team but can also work independently using their own initiative!

You will be key in ensuring libraries develop services and achieve targets and outcomes set in the Library Service Annual Plan and Public Library Benchmark Standards (Libraries Connected Universal Offers) whilst contributing to the Councils Corporate Plan.

Additionally, in the absence of a Library Manager, you will assume responsibility for a team of staff and volunteers, completing recruitment, induction, supervision, support, training and development whilst managing any performance or absence related issues. You will also be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the libraries including Health & Safety, fire regulations, reporting building issues and the de-escalation and efficient investigation of incidents in line with policies and procedures.

You must be a confident communicator who can liaise effectively with your colleagues, as well as the wider library service and internal and external partners. You will also need to be able to manage difficult situations, supporting staff with anti-social behaviour and responding to complaints.

What will you be doing?

1. Managing projects, outreach and challenges allocated by the Area Manager and Senior Management Team such as the Summer Reading Challenge

When maintaining Library Manager responsibilities: -

1. Motivate and lead the team to evolve services to meet the ongoing needs of the local community including delivery of a range of events and activities to all ages in line with the Library Service Plan and Libraries Connected Universal Offers
2. Management of the team carrying out 1-2-1's and quarterly reviews, identifying areas for personal development & training opportunities, managing recruitment and behaviour/performance management. Supporting staff welfare and enabling access to support services
3. Overseeing the recruitment and development of volunteers in line with policies and procedures ensuring safeguarding is paramount
4. Working with partners and seeking out new opportunities to offer a comprehensive service to the local community
5. Proactive in seeking to generate income through the promotion of existing income streams and identifying new avenues to contribute to the library targets
6. To be responsible for the efficient administrative, financial and IT systems in order to ensure clear communication, maintain records and ensure compliance with financial transaction procedures
7. To be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the library including Health & Safety, fire regulations, reporting building issues and the de-escalation & efficient reporting of incidents in line with policies and procedures
8. To be responsible for self-development ensuring an awareness of and contributing to the development of services and achievement of targets and outcomes set in the Library Service Annual Plan and Public Library Benchmark Standards (Libraries Connected Universal Offers) whilst contributing to the Councils Corporate Plan
9. To communicate confidently, liaising effectively with your team, as well as the wider library service and internal and external partners. Managing difficult situations, supporting staff with anti-social behaviour and responding to complaints.

About you

We are looking to recruit a self-motivated Peripatetic Manager. Reporting to the Area Manager, you will provide support for project and outreach work. You will also provide management support to libraries across North Northamptonshire, in the absence of a Library Manager.

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A systematic approach to planning and implementing

• Experience of managing a team

• Experience of customer service delivery

• Experience and confidence in using IT

• Experience of financial transactions & procedures

• Excellent communication and listening skills

• Ability to liaise, negotiate and work effectively with colleagues, library users and partners

• Ability to creatively problem solve

• Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, challenge and change

It would also be beneficial for you to have:

• Experience of working in a library environment
• Previous project management experience

When & where you will be working:

This role is based at Kettering Library, and is a full-time 37hour position. This role will require alternate Saturday working and candidates will need to be flexible to the business needs of the service. This post requires an ability and willingness to travel to all North Northamptonshire Libraries and other locations in the county to attend meetings, training and to work collaboratively with other managers.

Next steps:

If you like what you have read and want to know more about the role, then please contact Clare Boughton by email clare.boughton@northnorthants.gov.uk

If you wish to apply, please do so via the Recruitment Hub paying particular attention to the Person Specification attached to complete the Supporting Statement to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.

Closing date for applications is September 22nd 2024

Interviews will be held on September 30th 2024

Our benefits

We offer:

• a competitive salary
• a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
• opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
• generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
• agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.

About us

We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.

Our priorities are:

• helping people live active fulfilled lives
• caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
• enabling a thriving and successful economy
• leading on a green and sustainable environment
• ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
• providing modern public services

Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.

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