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 position is £47,142 per annum based on 36 hours per week.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Library Area Lead North West & Learning to join our dedicated team.
Libraries are spaces for social interaction, learning and cultural experiences, acting as an economic enabler providing support for local communities and businesses. Surrey's libraries offer vital services to all members of their communities.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- 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
With 52 branches Surrey Libraries hold a unique place in communities and is one of the UK's busiest library services. This is an exciting opportunity be part of the team leading a transformed service. You will help deliver real improvements to the lives of people who live, work and study in the county. This role will lead the operational service in 10 branches in the North West of the county. It will lead staff to engage with their communities and grow the service whilst providing customer excellence.
The role holder is also the Learning lead for the Library Service. They will work with senior managers delivering the workforce development strategy. This involves defining training plans for staff and liaising with partners. This includes The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), SCCs central Learning and Development Team and Westminster Adult Education Service. They will oversee the delivery of the Library Apprenticeship programme, work experience and the public learning offer.
This role will also oversee the Prison Libraries contract, working with Senior Managers to agree the annual budget and line manage four Prison Librarians and is responsible for four Prison Library Assistants.
The successful candidate will also be part of the Extended Libraries Leadership Team. They will help define and deliver our strategic approach which includes business planning and acting as an ambassador and advocate with a range of internal and external partners.
We are seeking an ambitious and dynamic leader, to:
- Take responsibility for the frontline operational side of the service across 10 Libraries. They will ensure value for money through a service offer that meets the needs of diverse communities.
- Work alongside the Extended Libraries Leadership team to support the vision and direction of achieving the library service strategy.
- Lead a team of Group Managers to grow their libraries. Promote customer service excellence, collaboration with communities and improvements to the service offer.
- Lead and manage the Learning offer for the library service. This includes defining workforce development plans and the public learning offer.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following criteria and align with our behaviours:
- Degree and/or relevant professional qualification and experience, or considerable experience of working within the service area. Experience and understanding of working at a management level in a public sector environment.
- Extensive knowledge of the provision of a library service including experience of leading an operational team.
- Strong written, oral communication and interpersonal skills. High level negotiation and influencing skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues and a range of external partners.
- High level problem solving and analytical skills.
- Able to demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and development with the ability to plan, deliver and evaluate an effective training plan in accordance with service and corporate workforce development plan.
- Analyse data and write clear and concise reports for presentation to senior managers and members.
- Wide and proven experience in successful leading, motivating, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.
- A good understanding of change management.
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.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Simon Harding by email at simon.harding@surreycc.gov.uk or MS Teams.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14/04/2026 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
