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, providing quality services while successfully 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 will create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy, fostering a vibrant community of scientists, doctors, and innovative companies to benefit cancer patients and drive economic growth. Alongside regeneration projects including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

About the Borough (continued)
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 stories shaping Sutton’s heritage. The Council also manages three historic buildings: Honeywood Museum, Little Holland House, and Whitehall Museum, all open to the public with support from 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. Sutton leads The Libraries Consortium, a partnership of 23 authorities, demonstrating determination and innovation in delivering community-driven library services that meet residents’ needs. The team consists of excellent professionals working across agile, multi-disciplinary 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, creating responsive, exciting, and diverse offers to meet customer needs while attracting and retaining new users. You will be responsible for delivering Sutton’s Cultural Strategy 2024-2027 and securing external resources to support cultural development and activities aimed at strengthening partnerships, connecting communities, and promoting access.

About the Role (continued)
As an excellent networker, you will collaborate with internal services, partners, and external organisations to enrich residents’ lives, building relationships with stakeholders and service providers to link residents into Cultural Services. You will have experience managing cultural activities and library-related services, including events, books, and digital services, and play a key role in The Libraries Consortium by leading and developing library offers.

Our Offer to You
We value and nurture talent, offering 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 include generous annual leave (26-31 days plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part-time), enhanced family leave, two volunteering days per year, flexible and agile working arrangements, a learning and development portal, discounts at local shops and leisure facilities, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, Zipcar scheme, and 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; we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received, so early submission is advised. We anonymise applications to reduce bias and encourage diverse interview panels to promote fairness. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to reflect the community we serve and foster belonging among staff. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. We offer family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, and inclusive networks supporting our diversity agenda. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants meeting essential criteria. We are an accredited London Living Wage employer, ensuring all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length. Sponsorship for work visas is considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to eligibility and budget.

Experience
Proven experience managing cultural activities and library-related services, including events, books, and digital services. Experience in leading and developing library offers within a consortium or multi-authority environment is highly desirable. Strong networking skills with the ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal teams, external organisations, and stakeholders.

About you
A dynamic and innovative professional passionate about cultural development and community engagement. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect diverse communities. Motivated to deliver high-quality services and adapt to evolving needs. Collaborative team player with a proactive approach to problem-solving and service improvement.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in cultural management, library services, or related fields are desirable but not explicitly stated. Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.