Branch Manager

Your role

As Branch Manager, you will be part of the management team and report directly to the Executive Director. You will oversee five team leaders who are jointly responsible for the twelve neighborhood libraries. In this role, you will guide them in their professional development and strengthen their leadership skills so that they can ensure their teams operate at peak performance.

You know how to translate strategic goals into day-to-day practice. Through your collaborative and decisive leadership, you build trust, foster cooperation, and make clear decisions. You ensure the quality of our services and make sure our processes are efficient and future-proof.

Together with residents, volunteers, and partners, you will foster co-creation, ensuring that our programs and services meet the needs of the neighborhoods. You will maintain a visible presence at our locations, including occasionally in the evenings or on weekends for special events. You will also actively invest in maintaining and expanding a strong network with social, educational, and cultural organizations in Utrecht. In this phase of organizational development, your focus will be on strengthening middle management, improving work processes, and increasing impact and reach.

Who are you?

• An experienced leader with a proven track record of success in a changing environment.
• You have a college- or university-level education and mindset, and you don’t shy away from organizational change—in fact, you embrace it.
• You actively seek collaboration and build relationships, both internally and with partners.
• You are focused and clear, combine empathy with a practical approach, and get things done without overcomplicating matters.
• You know how to strike a balance between a people-oriented and results-oriented approach: you listen, build connections, and are not afraid to make decisions at the same time.
• You have strategic insight, but you also have a good grasp of day-to-day operations at the branches.
• You have strong communication skills, are self-reliant, and have excellent organizational skills.
• Experience in library work, public service, and/or hospitality is a plus.
• You are curious, thoughtful, and have a positive attitude that inspires your colleagues.
• Living in or near Utrecht is a plus, as it allows you to get to know the city and its residents well.

What do we offer you?

• A dynamic organization that is constantly evolving and where you can make an immediate social impact.
• A dynamic management team focused on collaboration and achieving shared results.
• An opportunity to share your vision and ideas and work with colleagues and partners to build the library of the future.
• Terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Public Libraries. The position is classified in pay grade 12 (€5,876 – €7,094 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek), depending on knowledge and experience.
• An initial one-year employment contract, with the prospect of a permanent position. 

About us

Utrecht Library is for everyone, by everyone. We have 12 branches, more than 100,000 members, and welcome over 2.2 million visitors each year. Together, we create a city where everyone can participate, learn, and feel welcome.  We operate based on our core values: Reliable, Active, Curious, and Close. These form the BAND that connects colleagues with one another and with the city. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives make our work better. Whatever your background, age, gender, or disability—you are welcome here, and we encourage everyone to apply. 

Ready to make a difference?

Would you like to put your leadership skills to work for a library that is at the heart of the city and the community? If so, we warmly invite you to apply. Utrecht Library is being assisted in this process by Colourful People. For questions about the position or the application process, please contact Fatima Bouhriani atf.bouhriani@colourfulpeople.nlor 06-5050 0747.

Applyby September 30 at the latestby sending your resume and cover letter to Fatima Bouhriani via the application form on the website. The first round of interviews will take place on October 22, and the second round on November 3. A reference check and a (development) assessment are part of the process.