Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£57,402 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and high street developments.

About the Borough (continued)
Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specializing in cancer research and treatment. This vision is expected to create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy. With regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

About the Council and Partnership
The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership, a collaboration of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the borough’s future and adapt to residents’ needs to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
Sutton Council’s Cultural Services manages eight libraries that serve as welcoming, creative, and safe spaces supporting early years development, digital literacy, community activities, study spaces, cultural celebrations, and access to council services. The Local Archives preserve the borough’s heritage and stories. The service also manages three historic buildings: Honeywood Museum, Little Holland House, and Whitehall Museum, supported by active Friends groups and volunteers.

About the Service and Team (continued)
Sutton’s library services are innovative and customer-focused, pioneering Sunday openings, self-service technology, radio frequency identification for stock management, free Wi-Fi, and extended opening hours through self-access technology. The Libraries Consortium, led by Sutton’s Cultural Services, spans 23 authorities and exemplifies community-driven library services. The team is composed of excellent professionals working in agile, multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality services.

About the Role
We are seeking a Development Manager to develop, coordinate, and deliver Cultural Services’ offers across libraries, local archives, and heritage sites. You will lead digital engagement initiatives to create responsive, exciting, and diverse offers that meet customer needs and attract new users. You will deliver Sutton’s Cultural Strategy 2024-2027, securing external resources to support cultural development and activity aimed at strengthening partnerships, connecting communities, and promoting access.

About the Role (continued)
You will be an excellent networker, building relationships with internal services, partners, and external organisations to enrich residents’ lives and link them to Cultural Services. Experience managing cultural activities and library-related services, including events, books, and digital services, is essential. You will play a key role in The Libraries Consortium, leading and developing library offers across 23 authorities.

Our Offer to You
We value and nurture talent, providing a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment to grow your career and skills. We encourage innovation and welcome ideas of all sizes, supported by a dynamic and experienced management team.

Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26-31 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption, and dependents leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working through the Smarter Working Scheme (role dependent)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Learning and development portal with a range of courses
- Discounts on local shops, restaurants, gyms, and leisure centres
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
- Zip car scheme
- Confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience relevant to this role. Please refer to the job profile requirements and ensure your CV details are correctly uploaded. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received. Sutton Council anonymises applications to reduce bias and encourages diverse interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
Sutton is proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to create a workforce reflective of the community. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks support our diversity agenda. We are a disability confident employer and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length.

Immigration and Sponsorship
The UK’s points-based immigration system affects EU and Non-EU workers. Sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility and budget. We cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and assess requests case-by-case.

Experience
Proven experience managing cultural activities and library-related services, including events, books, and digital services. Experience in leading and developing library offers within multi-authority consortia is highly desirable.

About you
An excellent networker with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, partners, and external organisations. You are innovative, proactive, and passionate about cultural development and community engagement. You thrive in a collaborative environment and are committed to delivering services that meet diverse community needs.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in cultural management, library services, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated. A strong track record of relevant experience and skills is essential.