Sheffield Libraries, Archives & Information Service is looking for an experienced, motivated and inspiring manager to lead the operational delivery of services at Sheffield’s Central Library. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in one of the city’s valued community spaces.

Central Library sits at the heart of Sheffield’s library service, welcoming the high number and diverse range of customers. You will be responsible for organising and leading the day-to-day running and development of a high-quality, customer-focused library service, including the Home Library Service and the Library Theatre.

This is a visible leadership role where you will set the tone for service standards, support colleagues to thrive, and ensure our library offer meets the diverse needs of Sheffield’s residents while reducing barriers to access.

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, credibility and a strong sense of purpose to the role—someone who can lead confidently in a busy and complex environment, inspire and support managers and teams, and build positive relationships across the Council and with partners.

You will be committed to delivering inclusive, community-focused services while creating opportunities for change and new ways of working. The post includes direct management of Library & Archive Officers and oversight of wider frontline teams (including casual staff) delivering Central Library services, the traded Library Theatre and oversee operational support functions linked to Central Library.

Informal enquiries to Sarah Norton, Library Service Manager sarah.norton@sheffield.gov.uk

Interview dates 22-24 June.

We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.

It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.

Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.

Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.

If you are appointed to this role, your starting salary will be at the bottom of the grade. If you provide payslip evidence that your basic pay is greater than the bottom of the grade, we will consider starting you at the point of minimum advantage within the grade.

Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.