Parks and Open Spaces Manager

The Role: Parks and Open Spaces Manager

Are you passionate about enhancing green spaces and fostering community engagement? Hastings Borough Council is seeking a Parks and Open Spaces Manager to lead our efforts in creating and maintaining vibrant, accessible, and sustainable parks and open spaces across the Borough.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to manage a skilled team, shape strategy, and lead projects that contribute to the Borough’s environmental and community wellbeing. You’ll oversee daily operations, drive performance improvements, and collaborate with partners to ensure Hastings’ parks and open spaces are exceptional spaces for all to enjoy.

About Hastings

Hastings is a town with a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene. Our Council is dedicated to sustainability, community partnership, and innovation. With significant investment in environmental projects, you’ll be joining at a pivotal time to help shape our green infrastructure for the future.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced leader with a proven track record in parks management or a similar frontline service. You’ll be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on problem solver, with a passion for creating inclusive and inspiring outdoor spaces.

You’ll have:

• Experience: Managing parks and open spaces teams, contract performance, budgets, and community engagement.
• Knowledge: Expertise in horticulture, land management, and relevant legislation, including health and safety.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation abilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Attributes: A commitment to high service standards, customer focus, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders.

A degree or professional membership is desirable but not essential. Enthusiasm, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional public spaces are key.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Manage the Parks and Open Spaces Team, ensuring they meet service and corporate objectives.
• Strategy: Develop and implement policies and operational systems to enhance parks and green spaces in line with legislative and local priorities.
• Partnerships: Work closely with community groups, volunteers, and other stakeholders to foster engagement and secure funding for green initiatives.
• Performance: Oversee contracts, monitor performance, and resolve customer queries to deliver high standards of service.
• Emergency Planning: Support the Council’s severe weather response and other emergency operations.

Why Join Us?

• The chance to make a real impact in a beautiful, historic town.
• Opportunities to develop and implement green initiatives that enhance the local environment.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

Full benefits and terms and conditions can be found in the candidate job pack

Ready to Apply?

For full details on the role and person specification, please refer to the candidate job pack.

Join Hastings Borough Council in creating thriving, sustainable parks and open spaces that make a difference in the lives of our residents and visitors. We look forward to hearing from you!