Lead the Future of Libraries in Kaipara!

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for community, culture, and connection? Our Libraries team is looking for a proactive and people-focused Team Manager to lead the delivery of library services across the district. Based in Dargaville, you'll oversee day-to-day operations at Kaipara's largest library, while also supporting our Council-run Mangawhai Library and several volunteer-led community libraries across the district.

• Join a dynamic organisation where our people and our place are at the heart of everything we do!
• Collaborative team culture, supportive leadership and a range of well-being initiatives on offer.            
• Full-time position based in Dargaville with flexible work-from-home options to support work-life balance.

Ready to champion innovation in libraries?

As the Team Manager - Libraries, you will:

• Lead the strategic planning and delivery of library services to meet the evolving needs of Kaipara communities.
• Oversee the operation of the Dargaville Library, ensuring excellent customer experience and effective systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, schools, and community organisations to extend the reach and impact of library programmes.
• Support and mentor library staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation across our library network, with a strong focus on digital services and inclusivity.

About You

We're looking for a dynamic and community-minded leader who brings energy, empathy, and innovation to their work. You'll have:

• A relevant library qualification and LIANZA Professional Registration (or eligibility for registration with a clear path toward it).
• 2-3 years' experience in a leadership or management role, ideally within libraries or community services.
• Proven experience with Library Management Systems and a good understanding of digital library services.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a genuine commitment to serving diverse communities.
• The ability to manage budgets, lead change, and align services with broader Council strategies.

Our libraries operate from Monday to Saturday, so flexibility and availability across these days will be key to ensuring excellent service delivery across the district.

What's on offer

Kaipara District Council offers a flexible, supportive, and inclusive team culture within a collaborative environment. We also offer:

• Competitive salary, laptop and mobile phone
• An emphasis on career pathways with ongoing professional development, study assistance options, and secondment and promotion opportunities
• 1 paid day off per year to volunteer in the Kaipara community   
• Staff healthcare, banking and retail discounts
• A culture of health and wellbeing with free EAP services and regular staff wellness initiatives
• Fruit and espresso in the office
• 5 weeks Annual Leave after 5 years' service

About us

At Kaipara District Council, we're more than just a workplace - we're a passionate team committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community where people love to live, work, and play. We're guided by the values of mahi tahi (teamwork), mana (integrity), pono (trust), whakaute (respect), and mahia te mahi (make it happen), which shape everything we do. These values inspire us to foster an environment where people and communities thrive.

If you're ready to make a real difference and be part of something special, we'd love to hear from you!

How to apply

If you're keen to join a supportive team in an interesting and rewarding role, use the link below to be directed to our Careers Website and apply now!

For more information, please refer to the job description or contact Kevin Whitehead, P&C Talent Acquisition Partner at careers@kaipara.govt.nz

Please note that the preferred candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal history and police vetting checks