Chief Librarian
About the role
Application deadline: October 14, 2025
Surrey Libraries is seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Librarian. Serving a vibrant and rapidly growing community of more than 700,000 residents, the Chief Librarian will provide strategic leadership and operational direction to a dynamic library system that includes 10 branches, mobile services, and a thriving online presence.
Reporting directly to the Library Board and serving as Secretary to the Board, the Chief Librarian also sits on the City of Surrey’s executive team and works closely with the Board, senior leadership, and City leadership to deliver innovative programs, services, and spaces that reflect the Library’s vision, mission, and strategic goals. This is an opportunity to lead a talented and passionate team of 300 staff, fostering a culture that is vibrant, patron-focused, achievement-oriented, and committed to meeting the diverse needs of Surrey’s communities.
You will translate the Board’s vision and goals into actionable strategies that guide services, programs, spaces, and partnerships. You will oversee the development of budgets, policies, and procedures that ensure excellence in library services, while advocating for sustainable funding and pursuing opportunities such as grants, sponsorships, and endowments.
Internally, you will champion workforce development, recruitment, training, and labour relations in a unionized environment, ensuring alignment with organizational values and priorities. Externally, you will be a visible and influential leader, building strong partnerships with community groups, funders, government, and stakeholders, while representing the Library to City leadership, the media, and the public. You will assess community needs and guide the development of inclusive, accessible, and innovative services that reflect the diversity of Surrey.
The ideal candidate will bring an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with significant leadership experience in a complex, multifaceted, and preferably unionized environment; library or non-profit experience is a strong asset. You will be a forward-thinking, relationship-focused leader with exceptional communication skills, proven success in managing large operating and capital budgets, and the ability to navigate complex political and community contexts with integrity. Experience working with diverse communities and fostering innovative programs will be essential.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Canada’s most dynamic public libraries at an exciting time of growth and innovation.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to fostering a recruitment process that is equitable and inclusive.
For more information about Surrey Libraries, visit https://www.surreylibraries.ca .
If you are ready to inspire, innovate, and connect in service to Surrey’s residents, we invite you to apply here within.
For further information, please contact Max Mollineaux at WMC at maxm @ wmc.bc.ca.
About wmc (Western Management Consultants)
Western Management Consultants (WMC) is a premier Canadian management consulting firm with a rich legacy dating back to 1975. We take pride in our national reach, delivering independent, innovative, and practical solutions across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. We offer a diverse range of services including:
• Strategic Advisory and Planning • Organizational Design, Development and Change • Leadership Assessment, Development and Coaching • Operations & Performance Improvement • Information Technology • Procurement • Resiliency & Recovery Services. • Strategic HR Advisory Services • Executive Search • Marketing & Customer Strategy
Our Commitment to Clients At WMC, our diverse team of consultants embodies a robust work ethic, a hands-on approach, and a passion for overcoming challenges. Excelling in relationship management, our consultants are genuinely dedicated to providing outstanding value to clients. Our focus is on on our clients’ best interests and satisfaction – this is our only measure of success. Remaining independent and objective, our diverse portfolio of experience and our holistic and integrative approach to supporting clients allows us to advise and interact with a variety of levels of leadership and professionals at every level of an organization. We set a high benchmark which we expect our consultants to maintain.
Chief Librarian
About the role
Application deadline: October 14, 2025
Surrey Libraries is seeking an inspiring and visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Librarian. Serving a vibrant and rapidly growing community of more than 700,000 residents, the Chief Librarian will provide strategic leadership and operational direction to a dynamic library system that includes 10 branches, mobile services, and a thriving online presence.
Reporting directly to the Library Board and serving as Secretary to the Board, the Chief Librarian also sits on the City of Surrey’s executive team and works closely with the Board, senior leadership, and City leadership to deliver innovative programs, services, and spaces that reflect the Library’s vision, mission, and strategic goals. This is an opportunity to lead a talented and passionate team of 300 staff, fostering a culture that is vibrant, patron-focused, achievement-oriented, and committed to meeting the diverse needs of Surrey’s communities.
You will translate the Board’s vision and goals into actionable strategies that guide services, programs, spaces, and partnerships. You will oversee the development of budgets, policies, and procedures that ensure excellence in library services, while advocating for sustainable funding and pursuing opportunities such as grants, sponsorships, and endowments.
Internally, you will champion workforce development, recruitment, training, and labour relations in a unionized environment, ensuring alignment with organizational values and priorities. Externally, you will be a visible and influential leader, building strong partnerships with community groups, funders, government, and stakeholders, while representing the Library to City leadership, the media, and the public. You will assess community needs and guide the development of inclusive, accessible, and innovative services that reflect the diversity of Surrey.
The ideal candidate will bring an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS), or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with significant leadership experience in a complex, multifaceted, and preferably unionized environment; library or non-profit experience is a strong asset. You will be a forward-thinking, relationship-focused leader with exceptional communication skills, proven success in managing large operating and capital budgets, and the ability to navigate complex political and community contexts with integrity. Experience working with diverse communities and fostering innovative programs will be essential.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Canada’s most dynamic public libraries at an exciting time of growth and innovation.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to fostering a recruitment process that is equitable and inclusive.
For more information about Surrey Libraries, visit https://www.surreylibraries.ca .
If you are ready to inspire, innovate, and connect in service to Surrey’s residents, we invite you to apply here within.
For further information, please contact Max Mollineaux at WMC at maxm @ wmc.bc.ca.
About wmc (Western Management Consultants)
Western Management Consultants (WMC) is a premier Canadian management consulting firm with a rich legacy dating back to 1975. We take pride in our national reach, delivering independent, innovative, and practical solutions across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. We offer a diverse range of services including:
• Strategic Advisory and Planning • Organizational Design, Development and Change • Leadership Assessment, Development and Coaching • Operations & Performance Improvement • Information Technology • Procurement • Resiliency & Recovery Services. • Strategic HR Advisory Services • Executive Search • Marketing & Customer Strategy
Our Commitment to Clients At WMC, our diverse team of consultants embodies a robust work ethic, a hands-on approach, and a passion for overcoming challenges. Excelling in relationship management, our consultants are genuinely dedicated to providing outstanding value to clients. Our focus is on on our clients’ best interests and satisfaction – this is our only measure of success. Remaining independent and objective, our diverse portfolio of experience and our holistic and integrative approach to supporting clients allows us to advise and interact with a variety of levels of leadership and professionals at every level of an organization. We set a high benchmark which we expect our consultants to maintain.