Head Of Library Service

This position is open to internal candidates only. Any applications received from external candidates will not be considered and will be automatically rejected.

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent leisure centres vibrant town centres vast green spaces libraries and diverse communities all help make it a wonderful place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better.

As an organisation our staff are committed to Our Values: Caring Learning to Improve Inclusive Collaborate.

About the role

This is a permanent role with a hybrid work arrangement (with a commitment to be on-site as the service requires). This role will start in mid-August 2026.

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Greenspaces Libraries and Leisure (and the wider Communities Adults and Health leadership team) the post holder will lead oversee and be responsible for supporting the delivery of the library service through the effective management of library locations workforce and community engagement.The role will be key to any changes implemented moving forward with the library service key strategic priorities ensuring effective governance and that reporting arrangements are in place. This will require close working alongside our senior leadership team as well as our elected members and key public third sector and community stakeholders.

It will be a varied and challenging job and the postholder will need to display a proven track-record of delivering through others developing solutions to complex cross-cutting challenges and working effectively with senior officials and politicians.

The post holder will be flexible highly motivated and enthusiastic demonstrating a track record of delivering high quality outputs during times of pressure; an ability to master new and complex subject areas and problem solve; and display excellent judgement and political awareness.

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About you

• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective management including governance and strategic decision-making
• Proven ability to manage a complex workload and deliver high quality accurate and timely work without supervision
• Ability to absorb and understand the national landscape in relation to library services
• Excellent communication stakeholder and relationship management skills with proven ability to integrate well into a team and build relationships with a diverse group of senior stakeholders including councillors
• Continuous ability to source assimilate and analyse data and information relating to wide range of services and translate into an easily understood format.
• Curious and inquisitive mindset to think innovatively

About Barnet libraries

Thelibrary Service in Barnet iscomprisedof 14 static service points a Home and Library Service a School Libraries Resources Service (SLRS) a Digital Library and a Local Studies and Archives Service. Collectively Barnets libraries hold over 400000 books and other resources and issue around 1.2 million items each year. The service supports residents to live fulfilled and active lives providing access to a wide range of cultural events and activities to promote healthwellbeingand digital inclusion.