Service Manager - Parks Strategy

Your new companySouthend-on-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the council's vision of being part of a modern, vibrant coastal city that values its heritage. Southend itself is a vibrant place to live and work, offering coastal living alongside excellent and fast transport links into London.Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from regulatory services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, social services, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.Your new roleAs Service Manager - Parks Strategy, you will support the Head of Service in ensuring that the delivery of services and the application of policy are delivered in a holistic, efficient and consistent way. You will lead, develop and manage strategic services across Southend-on-Sea's parks and open spaces (arboriculture, policy development, biodiversity and planning). Key duties will include:

• Team management of staff undertaking a variety of strategic and operational tasks for our parks and open spaces.
• Ensure that the service provides timely responses to planning applications in good time and that associated CIL and S106 monies are allocated distributed and spent in accordance with council procedures.
• Responsible for the inspection function of parks and parks assets including playgrounds and play areas ensuring that they are managed appropriately, liaising with the corporate insurance function as required.
• Lead the corporate arboriculture function to maximise street trees and trees in parks & open spaces.
• Oversight of community engagement and volunteering programmes for functions and events in our parks & open spaces.
• Liaise with the corporate climate change and coastal teams projects and strategies to maximise biodiversity and climate adaptation.
• You will ensure appropriate conduct at all times and maximise financial and environmental sustainability whilst ensuring compliance and adherence to all relevant health and safety standards.
• Operating as a present leader - due to the nature of the role there will be a requirement to visit outdoor spaces to ensure a high-quality service.

What you'll need to succeedTo succeed in this role you will require a proven track record in the operational management of parks / recreational services / greenspace services or similar and this experience is essential. You will require excellent people management skills and the ability to foster effective partnerships with operational teams and colleagues in other teams within the council, as well as the general community and other key stakeholders.Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills is crucial to be successful in this role. You will require extensive demonstrable experience in management of a similar service within the area of green space and a working knowledge of parks, open space and park ranger service operations, conservation, maintenance and management principles.Qualifications in horticulture, parks or landscape management or equivalent demonstrable experience and knowledge is essential for this roleA full UK driving license is essential, and access to your own vehicle is desirable.What you'll get in returnWhen successful in securing this role you will receive a permanent contract with the opportunity to manage your service to the highest level and develop and deliver on park strategies for the City. You will also receive:

• £58,231 - £65,312 starting salary
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• 25 - 32 days leave + bank holidays based on length of service

What you need to do nowClosing date: Sunday 25th MayIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note that applications for this vacancy may close before the advertised date, so you are advised to apply as soon as possible. If you would like a copy of the Job Description, please contact us.Southend-on-Sea City Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment. We welcome applications from all members of the community.

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