Branch Supervisor

Position Summary

The Branch Supervisor is responsible for the overall management of one or more of the branches in the Guelph Public Library system. This position manages the branch facility, staff scheduling and provides operational oversight. The position may provide leadership and coverage across multiple library locations as needed. The Branch Supervisor also shapes the branch environment and customer experience, ensuring alignment with the Library's strategic priorities, values, and service objectives. As an ambassador of the library’s mission, the Branch Supervisor fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment and strengthens opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and community connection.

About the Guelph Public Library

Guelph Public Library (GPL) is one of the oldest public libraries in Ontario. With over 1,500 daily visits and two million resources checked out annually, we're proud to be a hub of community activity where patrons can explore, connect, and thrive.

Our new strategic plan, From Barriers to Bridges, outlines our path forward over the next four years. Our goal is that our community, staff, and partners expect empowerment each and every time they interact with us. We're looking for employees who aspire to empower others with their commitment to fostering trust, deepening belonging, nurturing curiosity, and cultivating resilience.

Hours of Work

Operating hours of the library - with potential for on call evening and weekend shifts (Saturday and Sunday)

Duties

• Provide leadership and support, scheduling, development, and evaluation of the branch team.
• Support systemwide service planning and operational decision-making related to public service delivery.
• Monitor and recommend improvements to workflows, staffing models, customer service practices, and branch operations.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations processes for the branch in consultation with Human Resources and Senior Management.
• Lead staff training initiatives for the branch related to customer service, reference services, library technologies, safety procedures, trauma-informed service approaches, de-escalation strategies, and public service best practices.
• Promote exceptional customer service standards and ensure staff are supported in delivering responsive, equitable, trauma-informed, and community-focused service.
• Support and mentor staff in basic reference, reader’s advisory, digital literacy, and public service practices.
• Respond to customer complaints in coordination with Senior Management.
• Assist with the creation, implementation, communication, and staff training related to systemwide library policies, procedures, and operational practices.
• Oversees the maintenance, operation, and long-term planning of branch facilities and equipment, ensuring a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment.
• Responsible for the safeguarding, administration, reconciliation, and accurate recording of petty cash and other branch funds in accordance with established financial policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with other Branch Supervisors and the Supervisor of Community Engagement to support coordinated collection development practices and ensure collections reflect community needs and systemwide priorities.
• Manages the selection, development, and maintenance of the branch’s library collection to ensure resources meet community needs, support library priorities, and align with established collection development policies and standards.
• Track branch performance metrics, customer service trends, and operational data and use findings to inform continuous improvement and service planning.
• In collaboration with the Deputy CEO, prepares the branch’s annual year-end report for the Board, highlighting operational achievements, service outcomes, performance metrics, challenges, and key initiatives.
• Participate in emergency response planning and operational leadership related to public-facing incidents and service disruptions.
• Participate in strategic planning, committees, and cross-departmental initiatives as required.
• Other dutiesas required.

Qualifications

Section A – Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

• MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a library setting.
• Previous supervisory experience in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience supporting frontline public service staff in high volume or complex customer service environments.
• Strong knowledge of reference services, public service delivery, and customer service best practices.
• Experience managing scheduling and operational coordination for multiple staff or departments.
• Knowledge of cataloguing practices, technical services operations, integrated library systems, and metadata standards.
• Familiarity with collection development practices and public library collections.
• Excellent leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to and manage complex situations involving vulnerable populations with professionalism, empathy, sound judgment, and a trauma-informed approach.
• Experience mentoring or supporting staff, students, or volunteers.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and community-centered public service.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Section B – Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

​     ​This management-level position operates within a dynamic public library environment and involves a combination of administrative responsibilities, leadership oversight, and visible engagement across library spaces and services. The role requires significant computer-based work, regular movement throughout the library facilities to support staff and operations, and occasional handling of library materials or equipment related to service delivery. The Branch Supervisor is regularly required to provide direct support in active public service environments and respond to challenging or emotionally complex customer interactions. Evening and weekend work may be required to meet operational and organizational needs. This position demands flexibility, sound judgement, and the ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

Notes

• Applicants are required to demonstrate in their application how their qualifications match those specified above. Assessments based on all the objectives and qualifications listed above will be a part of the interview, and a presentation may be administered.
• Employment is conditional upon satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check.
• An employee reference check is also required.