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

About Barnet Council

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.

Please click here to download the Job description for this role. (Right-click and select “Open in new tab” so you can keep the job description open while completing your application)

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

The library Service in Barnet is comprised of 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 Barnet’s libraries hold over 400,000 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 health, wellbeing and digital inclusion.

What we offer

31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time
A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more
Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership
Excellent training and development opportunities
Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance

How to apply

Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying, please contact Andy Joseph (andy.joseph@barnet.gov.uk)

System notice: Some dates shown on our online application system (such as “Apply Before”) appear in US date format (MM/DD/YYYY) due to Oracle system settings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool to support your application as a reasonable adjustment, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn, escalated to counter Fraud for further investigation and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Barnet Council 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. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, this may include AI Detection Screening, Biometric ID/Right to Work Checks, Qualification and Registration Checks, Up to 6 years of Employment Data and Insights to Accelerate Screening (Konfir), Up to 5 years of Employment History References, DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Checks, Credit Checks and Social Media, Sanctions and Occupational Health Screening.

To deliver Barnet Council’s commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regretfully in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.