Principal Librarian

We\'re embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine our library service, including moving our Central Library to be part of a new city centre hub, and we\'re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Principal Librarian to join our leadership team and help make this vision a reality. As part of a small, dedicated team, you\'ll play a key role in overseeing library services across 17 sites in Swansea. This is a wide-ranging role that includes deputising for the Library Service Manager and leading on strategic service development.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Leadership & Line Management of specialist teams:
  • Information Services
  • Special Collections & Local Studies
  • Digital, Technology & Information Management
  • Performance & Data Management including Welsh Public Library Standards (WPLS) reporting
  • Operational Oversight:
    • Line management of Operational Managers
    • Enhancing customer service delivery
    • Troubleshooting building-related issues
    • Acting as a key escalation point between frontline services and corporate support
  • Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Liaising with external partners, suppliers, and internal colleagues across the council

    Salary and Requirements:

    £40,777 - £45,091 per year. This is a Grade 9 full-time (37 hrs) permanent position for a qualified librarian with Swansea Library Service. Suitable candidates should demonstrate management and supervision experience at a middle management level or above. Applicants will be required to work across various sites within the Swansea Library service estate. Strong communication skills, the ability to inspire, support, and engage teams at all levels, organizational acumen, a collaborative mindset, a positive approach to change, and proven problem-solving skills are essential.

    If you are passionate about libraries and want to make a lasting impact in Swansea, we\'d love to hear from you.

    Within Swansea Council, the \"Safeguarding is Everybody\'s Business\" principle applies to all employees, elected members, volunteers, and contractors. Further details can be found at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding.

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