The Utrecht Library is seeking a Team Leader for the South District: an inspiring leader who brings clarity, structure, and energy. Someone who empowers staff, maintains a visible presence in the neighborhood, and works with residents and partners to further develop the library.
Your role
As Team Leader for the South District, you will oversee the libraries in Kanaleneiland, Hoograven, Oog in Al, and Lunetten. You will manage approximately 30 permanent staff members and collaborate with volunteers, interns, and temporary workers. Together, you will ensure that these locations operate in a way that is attractive, welcoming, and forward-thinking. You are part ofateam of five team leaders and report to the Branch Manager, who represents you on the Management Team.
You are responsible for day-to-day management and the quality of service. You translate the library’s strategy into concrete actions at the branches. Day-to-day operations take priority: ensuring that schedules and staffing are in order, and that service quality and safety are guaranteed; from there, you build networks and foster co-creation in the neighborhood.
You build strong networks with residents, schools, and community partners, maintain a visible presence in the neighborhood, and stay informed about what’s going on. In doing so, you encourage co-creation: you support program organizers, set up activities in collaboration with partners, and help secure funding and grants for unique local projects.
You bring structure, clarity, trust, and inspiration to your teams. You establish clear roles and foster collaboration, encourage ownership, and provide opportunities for talent development. You are regularly present at the locations, address confusion and ambiguities, and serve as a model of hospitality and professionalism.
Who are you?
- An energetic and inspiring leader with several years of management experience.
- Friendly and approachable: you’re a good listener, inspire confidence, and keep everything under control.
- You combine a focus on results with a people-oriented approach: clear and decisive, but not micromanaging.
- You bring calm and clarity, but you also know how to inspire and innovate.
- You have an appreciation for diversity and know how to bring out the best in teams.
- You communicate openly and transparently and move seamlessly between the front lines and management.
- You’re a networker who spots and seizes opportunities, and you have ties to Utrecht or can quickly get to know the neighborhoods.
- Experience in public service, culture, or nonprofit organizations is a plus.
What do we offer you?
- A versatile role with a direct social impact in the neighborhoods of Utrecht.
- A dedicated and diverse team with a strong sense of ownership and plenty of talent.
- An opportunity to further develop your leadership skills, alongside fellow team leaders and management.
- Terms of employment in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Public Libraries, with a starting salary in pay grade 10 (€4,085 – €5,347 gross per month for a 36-hour workweek), depending on knowledge and experience.
- An initial one-year contract, with the possibility of permanent employment.
About us
Utrecht Library is for everyone, by everyone. With 12 branches, over 100,000 members, and more than 2.2 million visitors annually, we are an indispensable gathering place in the city. Together with residents, schools, partners, and volunteers, we are working to create a city where everyone can read, learn, and get involved. We operate based on our core values: Reliable, Active, Curious, and Close—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. We strongly encourage anyone who identifies with this profile and wants to contribute to an inclusive library for the entire city to apply.
Interested?
Do you see yourself helping to build libraries where everyone in Utrecht feels welcome and contributing to a stronger Utrecht-Zuid? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Utrecht Library is being assisted by Colourful People in this process. If you have any questions about the position or the process, please contact Fatima Bouhriani at f.bouhriani@colourfulpeople.nl or 0650500747.
Applyby October 19 at the latestbyemailing your resume and cover letter toFatimaBouhriani. The first and second rounds of interviews will take place on November 4 and 11, respectively, both in the afternoon. A reference check is part of the process.
