Job title: Principal Librarian (Communities)
Salary: PO2 £37,335.96 - £40,221.00
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Across Leeds Libraries
Internal vacancy. Applications will only be considered from existing Leeds City Council employees.
Could you develop innovative services for communities across Leeds?
Would you thrive on working city-wide to manage teams, build partnerships and champion projects?
We are looking for a Principal Librarian for the new Communities Team within Leeds Libraries.
As part of the Libraries Leadership Team, you’ll play an important role in decision-making and implementation of the Library Strategy.
You’ll work closely with the Strategic Library Manager (Communities) to provide direction for the team. You will line-manage the Senior Community Librarians, who lead teams of librarians in the East, South and West of the city, as well as the Children and Young People’s Team, who have a well-established city-wide offer.
Supported by the Strategic Library Manager, you will help to develop services and programmes of activity detailed in the service plan. Your focus is on ensuring access to high quality services and resources for all library users across the city through the network of community libraries. You’ll champion ideas and ensure your teams contribute towards future planning and development of services.
Your focus will be on overseeing the service Health and Wellbeing agenda, developing a coherent intergenerational programme across libraries, with a focus on the offer for adults, and running working groups to implement city-wide projects, including Libraries of Sanctuary.
You’ll build positive and productive external partnerships and support your teams to ensure partnerships are successfully cultivated and linked up at local and city-wide levels. In a challenging financial climate, you will also need to consider financial sustainability and contribute to service funding bids.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
Skills required
1. You are able to demonstrate a passion for the role of public libraries and an ability to advocate for the library service among key strategic partners
2. You are a creative thinker able to find solutions as well as contribute to the development of a forward thinking library service
3. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to seek out, develop and grow mutually beneficial partnerships
4. You have substantial experience of developing and managing cohesive, high performing staff teams
5. You have experience of planning and management of projects
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
6. a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
7. membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
8. flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
9. a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
10. a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jen Boyle .
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job purpose
To play a key role in ensuring delivery of the vision for Leeds Libraries. As part of the senior management team you will support the service in the implementation of the Library Strategy through:
Providing strong leadership across the service
Taking a lead role in supporting the business planning process, ensuring that all activities delivered across the service link to the library strategy and make a strong and positive contribution to corporate priorities and the wellbeing of citizens
Leading and co-ordinating the citywide programmes of library activity.
Leading projects
This is a generic job description and you will also be expected to deliver on a portfolio from the key service areas detailed below, which may change in response to service requirements:
Support Services:
11. Leading on the development, implementation, management and operation of library systems
12. Delivery of management information across service areas supporting effective decision making
13. Ensuring performance and financial targets are met through effective approaches to performance and budget management
14. Maximising income generation across the service through fundraising, grant applications, sponsorship and commercial opportunities
15. Management of relevant strategic partnerships through development, implementation and monitoring of Service Level Agreements
16. Compliance with information governance and areas of legislation affecting the library service; including compliance with financial and procurement regulations
17. To be responsible for the day to day management of the acquisitions and support teams
OR
Service Delivery:
18. Management of operational functions including policy, procedure and health and safety and the day to day management of Central Library
19. Staff management including recruitment, staff performance and welfare in accordance with HR policies and procedures
20. Alignment and implementation of workforce development programmes with strategic priorities
21. You will be the Designated Premises Supervisor and Personal License Holder for Central Library for the purpose of maintaining the Premises Entertainment License. Training will be provided.
22. You will lead on liaison with facilities management and asset management to ensure repairs and refurbishments are logged and actioned with regard to the public nature and listed status of the library building [JB1] [PK2]
OR
Communities:
23. You will lead the development of services and programmes of activity across the community-based library service, which support the Core Purpose of the service and the national Universal Offers framework
24. You will ensure effective communications with Community Hub partners
25. You will ensure that access to specialist services and resources is available to a consistently high standard across the City through the network of community libraries
26. You will lead on the Health and Wellbeing offer for the service
27. You will lead on the development of the Leeds Libraries Volunteering Programme
Responsibilities:
28. You will be part of the Library Service senior management team contributing to the effective delivery of library provision across the city.
29. You will lead on systematic reviews of library procedures
30. You will develop knowledge of the diverse communities of Leeds in order to inform your work
31. You will enthuse, inspire and motivate staff, embedding the vision and direction of the service, and supporting the drive and momentum for change.
32. You will seek out and share innovation with colleagues and partners, build new relationships and act on new initiatives and opportunities.
33. You will coordinate programmes of activity and ensure the effectiveness of publicity to improve and develop audience engagement.
34. You will ensure the effectiveness of library procedures through procedural review
35. You will lead on projects to develop and deliver on key service agendas and Library universal offers
36. You will work collaboratively across teams both within the service and with partner organisations as well as and at other venues as required
37. You will ensure that performance standards and targets and financial targets are met.
38. You will ensure a high level of customer satisfaction is maintained.
39. You will ensure that staff teams are knowledgeable in their field, well trained to a high standard and skilled to deliver an excellent library service.
40. You will have staff management responsibilities including managing attendance, improving performance, disciplinary and grievances, and support staff through change programmes, in accordance with HR policies and procedures
41. You will follow LCC financial procedures and regulations
42. You will be required to carry out risk assessments and implement safe systems of work.
43. You will be responsible for your personal health and safety and that of other people who use the library service.
44. You will be expected to be vigilant for the safety of the building, opening and closing as required.
45. Completing the duties of fire marshal, fire warden and emergency incident officer as assigned. There may be occasions when you are working on your own.
46. You will deputise for managers and colleagues as required and carry out the role of duty manager as assigned, commensurate with grade.
47. You will be flexible in working hours within your contracted hours and work evenings and weekends as required, including events outside of library opening hours. The work is physical and involves standing, lifting and carrying.
48. You will carry out duties in accordance with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy and other policies which respect the rights and needs of customers and colleagues
49. This post involves direct work with the public in an open access setting, the post holder will need to display resilience to some demanding situations
50. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
51. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
52. Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
53. Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
54. Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
55. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
56. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards, and equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
57. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the
spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Qualifications
58. You will have a degree / postgraduate degree in Library and Information Science or a degree in a relevant field and / or are able to evidence extensive experience of public library management at a senior level
Personal Specification
Method of assessment will be through one or more of the following application form, test, interview, and certificate.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills required
59. You are able to demonstrate a passion for the role of public libraries and an ability to advocate for the library service among key strategic partners
60. You are a skilled and established library leader
61. You are a creative thinker able to find solutions as well as contribute to the development of a forward thinking library service
62. You are skilled in the development and delivery of innovative, creative and cutting edge library services
63. You have a clear understanding of, and commitment to, customer service excellence and are able to deal positively with challenging situations, seeking positive resolution and avoiding escalation
64. You have high level communication skills, both written and verbal
65. You are able to motivate, persuade and influence in a wide range of situations
66. You are able to demonstrate highly developed organisational and decision making skills and evidence attention to detail
67. You are able to demonstrate that you are a skilled and highly motivated team player
68. You are able to analyse performance and/or complex data and information and respond accordingly
69. You will be able to demonstrate an ability to seek out, develop and grow mutually beneficial partnerships
70. You have well developed digital skills and an ability to maximise the benefits of IT for both staff and customer service
Knowledge required
71. You have a detailed knowledge and understanding both of the role libraries play in society and best practice public library sector initiatives
72. You have a knowledge and understanding of the trends that will shape our work including the roles of key library partners and organisations (e.g. Arts Council, Libraries Connected)
73. You will have a degree / postgraduate degree in Library and Information Science or a degree in a relevant field and / or are able to evidence extensive experience of public library management at a senior level
Experience required
74. You have significant experience of managing customer facing services in a demanding community environment.
75. You have substantial experience of developing and managing cohesive, high performing staff teams
76. You have experience of implementing and supporting staff through complex organisational change programmes
77. You are able to evidence an innovative and imaginative approach to service provision
78. You have experience of planning and management of projects
79. You have substantial experience of matrix management and collaborative working
80. You have experience of budget management
81. You are able to evidence the impact of services and projects
Behavioural and other Characteristics required
82. Committed to continuous improvement.
83. Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
84. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
85. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
86. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills, and continuous professional development
87. Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
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