Library Service: Operational Library Manager | £40,777 - £46,142 Per Annum | Permanent | Part Time Job Share | 18.5 hours per week | Preston & South Ribble District
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship
Lancashire Libraries are a vital service that provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where people of all ages can connect, learn and feel safe. We're proud to offer access to quality resources, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a supportive environment for everyone.
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary leader with a strong commitment to community engagement and service excellence. This role offers a unique opportunity to positively influence lives by enhancing the reach and impact of local library services across the Preston & South Ribble district as an Operational Library Manager.
This is a permanent position, part time job share, starting in January 2027 The working days are:
Week 1 – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Week 2 – Thursday and Friday
What we’re looking for:
Our ideal person will be a strong leader, who is customer focussed and digitally savvy with the skills to manage large teams of staff and volunteers. Our ideal person will have excellent communication and problem-solving skills with the confidence to be able to work with a wide range of partners.
What you'll be doing:
You will lead library teams working across two districts that cover a wide geographical area, to offer a high-quality library service.
You will manage and supervise the delivery of the library business plan which includes ensuring that libraries are placed at the heart of their communities.
You will support and encourage staff to be the best they can, monitoring performance and contributing to workforce development.
Why join us?
By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted.
In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, including:
A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave (pro rata), increasing with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and the option to apply to buy additional leave each year (applications considered on a case-by-case basis).
Access to our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to save on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
Fantastic development and career opportunities.
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the Lancashire County Council website. Please attach a supporting statement of no more than 2 A4 sides in 12pt font.
Before submitting your application, please make sure you have given good examples of how you meet the criteria detailed on the job description and person specification (see link at the bottom of the advert).
We encourage all applicants to visit any Lancashire Library to see what is on offer. For queries about the role not covered in the advert, please contact CS.businesssupport@lancashire.gov.uk
We reserve the right to close a vacancy early and before the closing date if we receive sufficient applications.
Lancashire County Council is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone in Lancashire. We believe that all our citizens have the right to be treated fairly. We recognise that some people do not get an equal chance in life.
For some of our children and young people this can have a lasting impact on their future. We will play our part in helping to narrow the gaps that exist between different parts our communities and improving the quality of life of those who have less advantages and are in danger of poor outcomes.
As a community leader, employer and provider of services we want to make sure that everyone in Lancashire has the opportunity to achieve their potential, no matter where they live or what their background, individual characteristics or personal circumstances might be.
