Applicants must provide evidence that, by the closing date, they meet the following criteria:
Essential:
Qualifications & Experience:
1 Hold a third or higher level qualification and a minimum of three years’ experience of the management of staff and services and resources (i.e. any of the following - physical, stock or financial)
OR
At least five years’ experience of the management of staff, services and resources (i.e. any of the following - physical, stock or financial)
2. A minimum of three years’ experience in the delivery and achievement of service objectives/targets in the last seven years.
3. Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders and in developing partnerships, to achieve successful outcomes.
4. Demonstrate experience of developing and delivering services to enhance the customer experience.
5. Experience of leading and/or supporting the successful implementation of organisational and/or cultural change programmes.
Other Requirements and Constraints:
5. Applicants must have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Libraries NI business) or other suitable form of transport which will enable the successful candidate to fulfil the requirements of the post to the satisfaction of Libraries NI.
6. Ability to work a range of hours including evenings and weekends as required.
7. Have no criminal record which would prevent working with children or vulnerable adults.
Desirable
1. A professional library qualification
The above essential criteria will be used for shortlisting purposes. However, Libraries NI reserves the right to enhance criteria at the shortlisting stage. If deemed necessary criterion 2 above may be enhanced to five years and/or desirable may be used for shortlisting.
Where a competition identifies more appointable candidates than there are available vacancies, a Reserve List may be created in order of suitability for further appointments within Libraries NI. This may be used for up to 12 months to fill the same or like vacancies with a similar job description and personnel specification and on the same salary scale, without further testing of merit.
It is essential that candidates provide sufficient details, using examples and dates where appropriate to demonstrate that they meet these requirements. It is not sufficient to simply list duties and responsibilities. Libraries NI will not make assumptions from the title of the post or the nature of the organisation as to the skills and experience gained. If you fail to provide sufficient detail, including the appropriate dates needed to meet the essential criteria, your application will be rejected.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is anticipated that shortlisting will take place week commencing 23 March 2026. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be invited to attend interviews week commencing 30 March 2026
SHORTLISTING
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the information provided against each specific criterion as presented on the application form. Applications will first be considered against the essential criteria. Where necessary enhanced criteria and/or desirable criteria may be applied.
Only shortlisted candidates will be called to the next stage of the selection process.
In addition to meeting the essential criteria and, if applicable, desirable criteria candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following requirements drawing on their personal qualities to support their answer.
Knowledge & Skills
The Key Result Areas in the job description are:
1. Library Operations and Support Services
2. Policy Formulation and Implementation
3. Staff Management and Development
4. Management of Resources and Systems
5. Professional Development and Awareness
Examples of the Knowledge & Skills and Personal Qualities to be demonstrated across the range of Key Areas will include but not be limited to:
• key issues, trends, developments and challenges relating to public library services
• awareness of strategies to ensure excellent customer service, increase and retain the customer base, increase participation, collection exploitation and widen access to services and programming
• research, analytical, problem solving and change management skills to support service innovation and improvement
• excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to lead and manage a team/teams, work collaboratively with colleagues, develop strategic relationships, interact effectively with staff at all levels and to enthuse and motivate others to improve performance
• excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• awareness of the importance of advocacy and political sensitivities and excellent influencing skills
• ability to develop, promote and achieve quality outcomes
• ability to organise, prioritise, plan, and work on your own initiative within challenging timeframes
• ability to develop, implement and evaluate projects
• ability to deliver capital and minor works programmes
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is a full-time permanent appointment.
NB: This appointment may involve occasional late evening and weekend working, as dictated by business requirements. These arrangements are subject to review.
The successful candidate will be employed on NJC terms and conditions of service and membership of the Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme is automatic for persons eligible to join. Further information about pensions is available on the NILGOSC website www.nilgosc.org.uk
Annual leave entitlement for the full leave is 26 days (pro rata for part time posts) increasing to 32 days after five years’ service. In addition, there are 12 statutory holidays.
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of all procedural and pre-employment checks.
An unpaid meal break of 30 minutes will normally be taken by employees who are contracted to work 4 hours or more per day.
Travelling and Subsistence
Travel expenses at rates approved by Libraries NI will be paid in respect of approved journeys necessary as an employee of Libraries NI.
Mobility Clause
The post will be located in an agreed location, or at any alternative premises as may be reasonably required and may be subject to change following consultation with the post holder.
Excess Fares
If you are in receipt of excess fares, this provision will cease on appointment.
Information on the selection process is detailed in Libraries NI ‘Guidance Notes for Applicants.’ It is important that applicants refer to these notes when completing their application form.
LIBRARIES NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
To view Libraries NI’s privacy statement please visit www.librariesni.org.uk or ask Human Resources staff for a copy.