Library Branch Manager

Job detailsDetails

• Title: Library Branch Manager
• Reference: SCC/TP/288739/5637
• Positions: 1
• Salary: £15,829.50 per annum (pro rata to £31,659 FTE)
• Category: Libraries
• Contract type: Secondment
• Working hours: 18 hours per week
• Posted on: 24 July 2026
• Closing date: 16 August 2026
• Directorate: Resources
• Location: Guildford Library, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4AL

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this role is £15,829 per annum for working 18 hours per week (two-week rota basis). This is a fixed term / secondment opportunity until 31st March 2027.

We are currently seeking a Library Branch Manager for Guildford Library. You will also work at Horsley and Cobham Libraries, which are in the same group, and will travel to other locations to support the wider library network as required.

This position puts you at the heart of our communities, providing you with the opportunity to lead staff and volunteers in creating a dynamic library service that continually evolves to meet the needs of local communities.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Role

As a Branch Manager, you will be responsible for managing a team of staff ensuring that excellent customer service is delivered at all levels in your library. Making use of your communication skills, you will ensure that team members feel supported in their roles. You will provide training and development opportunities to staff while continuing to broaden your own knowledge.

Our Branch Managers play an integral role in helping us achieve an inclusive and active library service partly through the planning of cultural events. This could involve organising an author talk, arranging theatre activities, or facilitating the creation of a temporary dance space. Using your networking skills to build local partnerships, you will encourage learning, and support local health and wellbeing.

You will also oversee day-to-day activity in the library, which involves dealing with property issues, ensuring health and safety policy is adhered to, and managing customer comments, compliments, and complaints.

The role profile attached to the bottom of this advert provides a detailed list of what you might encounter while working as a Branch Manager. However, we recognise transferable skills and are committed to providing training.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Experience of managing and supporting teams through change
• Ability to work with peers at a management level
• Ability to build relationships and develop internal and external partnerships
• Problem solving skills and ability to take appropriate action
• IT skills to use the library management systems and the resilience to support with a broad range of customer queries

We want to find out how you will create an inclusive environment for staff and customers and ask that you answer the following questions as part of the application process (along with uploading your CV):

1. What are your motivations for applying?
2. Name three things you would do to attract more people to our libraries, demonstrating how they align with our Surrey Way framework.
3. What qualities, experiences, and leadership approaches would make you an exceptional Library Manager?
4. Library Managers have to prioritise competing demands on a daily basis. Outline what experience would you bring to support you with this.

If you can match our energy for creating exceptional community spaces, we and our residents really want to hear from you.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Rota

Week 1

MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

Off

Off 9-5: Off

Week 2:

MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT

9-1 Off Off 10:30-7 Off 9-5

Please note that the above rota is subject to temporary or long-term revision, when required, to meet the needs of the library service, including occasionally covering until 7pm.

Please note there are no staff parking facilities at libraries in Surrey, however there are pay and display car parks close to most locations. If using public transport, please check what options are available for you to travel to individual locations, and when making your application, consider your travel costs and arrangements.