Head of Library Services in Essex

Job description

Role | Interim Head of Library Operations

Areas | Operations, Change Management, Customer Experience, Leadership

Based | Essex / Hybrid (Field-Based Role)

Offer | Up to £550 per day (Umbrella)

Contract | Temporary, Full-Time (6 months, potential extension)

Hi

We’re partnering with a large public sector organisation that’s seeking an experienced Interim Head of Library Operations to lead a significant modernisation journey across its library network. This is a high-profile leadership opportunity to shape the operational delivery, customer experience, and cultural transformation of one of the UK’s most community-focused public services.

As Head of Library Operations, you will:

• Lead operational delivery across a large, geographically dispersed network of library and community spaces.
• Champion customer experience and inclusivity, ensuring every visitor receives a positive, engaging, and accessible service.
• Drive the successful implementation of large-scale change initiatives, embedding new systems, processes, and ways of working.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement across the service, using data and insights to enhance performance.
• Lead on Health and Safety, ensuring robust compliance and a proactive culture of safety across all sites.
• Inspire, coach, and develop managers and teams to deliver high standards of service and operational excellence.
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders to align operational objectives with organisational strategy.
• Identify opportunities for income generation and sustainability, supporting long-term financial resilience.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience leading customer-facing or operational services, ideally across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated success in delivering organisational change and cultural transformation.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with experience managing diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of service improvement, performance management, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with confidence operating in complex or political environments.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) with evidence of continued professional development.

What’s on offer:

• Up to £550 per day (umbrella)
• Initial 6-month contract, with the potential to extend to 24 months
• Hybrid working

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Essex

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English