A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Neighbourhoods and Housing directorate as a Libraries Strategy and Improvement Manager.
This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a blueprint for a sustainable service that will provide a foundation for generations of residents.
They are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team and lead on the provision of a ‘forward thinking, transformative and efficient’ library service. You will bring to the role demonstrable experience of leadership, change management and service development of a frontline public service, alongside significant operational experience of managing libraries or similar services within a local authority or private sector setting.
You should have a proven track record of turning strategy into deliverables, delivering a high level of service performance and effective budget management and strategic partnerships. You will have a responsibility to not only deliver the Council’s statutory duties but lead on the development of innovative projects and proposals that will deliver an outstanding service for the Council and its library
users.
Please see the job description and person specification (below) to learn more about the role. Please note that you must meet all essential criteria in the person specification in order to be shortlisted.
To apply, visit here
Closing date: 6 November
Job Title Libraries Strategy and Improvement Manager
Directorate Neighbourhoods and Housing
Service Area Libraries and Information Services
Grade 12
Competency Level 3
Salary £66,750 – £74,019
Job Type Hybrid
Location Citywide
Job Purpose
• To provide strategic leadership to Libraries and Information Services to ensure that Liverpool City Council meets its aims, core values and business objectives
• To ensure that the Council’s statutory duties are fulfilled in compliance with the Public Libraries and Museums Act,1964
• To manage and develop strategy and practice to ensure the delivery of ambitious library provision, taking account of all relevant political, social, and resourcing factors
Directly Responsible For: Service Management Team
Directly Responsible To: Divisional Manager Arts, Heritage, Libraries and Participation
Main Areas of Responsibility:
• To ensure the provision of a ‘forward thinking, transformative and efficient’
library service
• Accountability for the provision of services operated within the Libraries and
Information Service
• The effective management, strategic direction, development and promotion of Libraries and Information Services in accordance with relevant professional standards and legislative requirements
• Drive development and implementation of organisational strategies, policies, and practices
• Create, facilitate, and encourage new and innovative partnerships to enhance service reach and delivery
• Manage, control and report on the performance of the service to senior officers and Elected Members
• Ensure that any regulatory / legislative requirements are met to warrant compliance with statutory obligations
• Attend committee meetings, deputise for Divisional Manager, other member bodies and such external groups as required
Supervision and Management Responsibility:
• Ensuring activities are planned to include meaningful one to one conversations, quality annual appraisals and regular workforce planning and development
• Manages performance and behavioural issues effectively Budget and Financial Responsibility:
• Being fully accountable for managing the council’s resources well and complying with statutory requirements. This includes managing time, avoiding unnecessary waste, reuse and recycle resources to reduce personal impact
• Ensure the effective management of Libraries and Information Services budgets, and effective discharge of PFI financial / contractual duties
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and with Standing Orders and Financial Regulations of Liverpool City Council
• Consideration taken to evidence best value and decision making
• Exploring opportunities to draw funding where appropriate
Social Value Responsibility:
• Drive for social value through all activities, ensuring wider social, economic,
and environmental benefits for the council, residents, and communities
Physical Demands of the Job:
• The post is a combination of office work and field work. It will involve sitting for long periods of time and a requirement to travel to meet service needs
Corporate Responsibility:
• Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan
• Delivering and promoting excellent customer service, externally and internally
• Commitment to customer excellence by dealing with customer feedback, including complaints, and learning from feedback in the drive for continuous improvement
• Making the council a great place to work, living the council’s values, actively engaging in regular communications including team meetings, undertaking training as required and being responsible for managing own performance
• Develop the City Council’s commitment to equal opportunities and to promote non-discriminatory practices in all aspects of work undertaken
• To ensure that all work functions are undertaken in accordance with health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the City Council’s safety plan
Competency Framework:
They operate a competency framework, a set of core behaviours which define how we are expected to approach our work, how we perform in certain situations and how we treat each other. Each competency details the standards of behaviours and skills
required by all staff and this in turn supports delivery of our aim and our council plans linking them together with our values.
The post holder will be required to demonstrate the ability to perform at competency level 3.
This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive. It is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility. You will be expected to carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with your main
duties and changing priorities of the organisation.
Person Specification
Assessment methods used: I = Interview, P = Presentation, A = Application, E = Exercise, T = Test, AC = Assessment Centre
Qualification and training
Essential
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a related subject area (A)
• Evidence of continuous professional development related to Libraries and / or associated sectors reflecting commitment to effective management in a large organisation (A)
Experience
Essential
• Provide evidence of significant senior management experience delivering public services in either Libraries and Information services or within a similar environment or related sector, and managing diverse teams and ensuring effective collaborative working practices (A/I)
• Evidence of significant budgetary management as well as identification and achievement of cost reduction activities (A/I)
• Evidence of working in an environment where you have been instrumental in managing change successfully and leading and motivating staff in a demanding frontline service environment (A/P)
• Development and implementation of policies, practices, and procedures in line with current government legislation, local priorities and best practice (A/I)
Skills/Abilities
Essential
• Strong communication, networking and interpersonal skills. With the proven ability to lead and motivate teams and develop effective working relationships (A/I)
• Strong analytical and project management skills, with knowledge of strategy transformation, coupled with computer / keyboard and digital skills (A)
• Ability to engage strategic partners in the development of projects / proposals, with Awareness of commercial opportunities to raise income for the library service (I/P)
Desirable
• Experience of delivering successful presentations to local, regional and national audiences
• Management, preparation, and submission of diverse grant funding applications
Commitment
Essential
• Demonstrate an awareness of, and commitment to equal opportunities and customer care (A)
Desirable
• An understanding of and a personal commitment to the Vision and Values of Liverpool City Council
Other
Essential
• Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team for effective service provision (I)
• Ability to work on own initiative
Desirable
• Display a flexible approach to work patterns for effective service deliver
Closing date: 6 November