Assistant Library Manager (Internal)

• Suffolk County Council 

• Address: Bury St Edmunds Library, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1TZ, on-site working

• Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata)

• Hours: 32.88 hours per week, please see working pattern below

• Contract: Secondment for 6 months
  
   

This advert is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only

At Suffolk County Council we’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As an Assistant Library Manager you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.  

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As an Assistant Library Manager, you’ll play a key part in shaping a welcoming, vibrant, and community‑focused library environment. Working closely with the Library Manager, you’ll help lead a dedicated team, support the smooth running of daily operations, and ensure every visitor enjoys an excellent experience. From championing inclusive services and engaging activities to overseeing stock, supporting staff, and maintaining high standards across the branch, you’ll be at the heart of ensuring the library remains a trusted, inspiring space for everyone. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role where your initiative, creativity, and commitment to outstanding service will make a real difference to the community.

This is a physically active role that involves bending and lifting.  

Your working pattern will be:

• Week 1: Tuesday 8am – 5pm (8 hours), Wednesday 8.30am – 5.45pm (8. 25 hours), Thursday 8am – 5.45pm (8.75 hours), Friday 8am – 4.30pm (7.5 hours)
• Week 2: Tuesday 8am – 5pm (8 hours), Wednesday 8.30am – 5.45pm (8. 25 hours), Thursday 8am – 5.45pm (8.75 hours), Saturday 8am – 5.15pm (8.25 hours)

We’re looking for someone who:

• can deliver great customer service to people of all ages

• communicates effectively and builds positive, supportive relationships with customers, colleagues, and the wider community

• is confident engaging with young people and enthusiastic about delivering activities like children’s crafts and story sessions

• is IT literate and comfortable using the internet, social media, email, mobile devices and apps—and can guide others in using them too

• has strong organisational skills with the ability to manage stock, plan activities, and maintain a safe, well-presented environment

• has the ability to stay calm, professional, and solution‑focused in challenging situations 

• can be flexible to support different branches when required, including some weekend and evening work.
   

If you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, enjoy helping people, and have experience working with children, we’d love to hear from you. An interest in books and computers is a big plus.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, please see the how to apply section below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team

You’ll be joining a friendly, supportive team that’s passionate about making the library a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. We work closely with volunteers, community groups, and schools to deliver a wide range of services and events. Our team values collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping people thrive.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. 

For more information

Please contact Tracey Paris for a casual conversation. You can contact them by emailing [email protected]

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application. 

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. Describe a situation where you had to supervise or support colleagues to meet daily priorities. What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. 

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at [email protected] or 03456 014412.  You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 19 July 2026.

 

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite