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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 city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, 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 roleSouthend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time agency Parks Strategy Service Manager.Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.
The successful candidate 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. They will lead, develop and manage the strategic services across Southend-on-Sea's parks and open spaces (arboriculture, policy development, biodiversity and planning). They will manage staff undertaking a variety of strategic and operational parks and open space activities. Ensure that the service provides timely responses to planning applications and that associated CIL and S106 monies are allocated, distributed and spent in accordance with council procedures. Lead the corporate arboriculture function, working across the Infrastructure and Environment department to maximise street trees and trees in parks and open spaces. Liaise with the corporate climate change and coastal teams projects and strategies to maximise biodiversity and climate adaptation.
Advise on other corporate programmes, policies and projects and inspire colleagues, working closely with the team leaders, senior staff and elected members, managing communications with internal and external partners. They will be responsible for capital of up to the value of 10 million pounds and revenue budgets of up to the value of 5 million pounds.
What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this position, you must hold a qualification in horticulture, parks or landscape management, along with having experience of leading, delivering and managing parks and open spaces. It would be desirable if you had a management qualification from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium, or a project management qualification such as PRINCE2. It is essential that you have experience of leading, delivering and managing grounds maintenance and public realm services. Experience and accountability for budget management of significant capital and revenue experience. You must be able to demonstrate initiative, confidence and personal responsibility for actions and be open to the views of others, able to constructively challenge and be challenged, remaining positive under challenging circumstances. Excellent understanding of local government and the political environment.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Nathalie on or email
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