£40777 - £45,091 per year. This is a Grade 9 full-time (37 hrs) permanent position for a qualified librarian with Swansea Library Service. Suitable candidates should be able to demonstrate management and supervision experience at a middle management level or above. Applicants will be required to work between various sites across the Swansea Library service estate.
Post title: Principal Librarian
Post number: PL.0031-V2
Salary: £40,777 - £45,091 per year
Job description: Principal Librarian (PL.0031-V2) Job description (PDF, 296 KB)
Directorate/department: Place
Apply online now for post PL.0031-V2
Closing date: 11.45pm, 3 September 2025
Further information
Shape the Future of Swansea Libraries
Are you ready to help lead Swansea Libraries into a sustainable and innovative future?
We're embarking on an exciting journey to reimagine our library service including moving our Central Library to be part of a new city centre hub—and we're looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Principal Librarian to join our leadership team and help make this vision a reality.
As part of a small, dedicated team, you'll play a key role in overseeing library services across 17 sites in Swansea. This is a wide-ranging role that includes deputising for the Library Service Manager and leading on strategic service development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Line Management of specialist teams:
- Information Services
- Special Collections & Local Studies
- Digital, Technology & Information Management
- Performance & Data Management including Welsh Public Library Standards (WPLS) reporting
- Oversight of Library Management Systems (LMS) and supporting technologies
- Operational Oversight:
- Line management of Operational Managers
- Enhancing customer service delivery
- Troubleshooting building-related issues
- Acting as a key escalation point between frontline services and corporate support
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Liaising with external partners, suppliers, and internal colleagues across the council
What We're Looking For:
- Strong communication skills and the ability to inspire, support, and engage teams at all levels
- Organisational acumen in interpreting and applying policy, guidance, and data
- A collaborative mindset with a passion for partnership working and sector engagement
- A positive, pragmatic approach to change and service improvement
- Proven problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude to resolving challenges
If you are passionate about libraries and want to make a lasting impact in Swansea, we'd love to hear from you.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Library Service Manager at: swansea.libraries@swansea.gov.uk
Safeguarding
Within Swansea Council there is a "Safeguarding is Everybody's Business" principle, and this applies to all Swansea Council employees, elected members, volunteers and contractors. Further details can be found at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding
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