Southend-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.

As Service Manager – Grounds Maintenance & Bereavement Services, you will support the Head of Service in ensuring that services are delivered in a holistic, efficient and consistent way. You will lead, develop and manage the Bereavement Service ensuring that all legal and statutory requirements related to the Cemetery and Crematorium are adhered to and strictly observed. You will also lead, direct and manage the grounds maintenance service ensuring a high-quality public realm is delivered efficiently and effectively. Key duties will include:

• Ensure staff and resources are deployed effectively, in ways which maximise efficiency, value for money and compliance with legislation and service objectives.
• Promote a culture where health, safety and compliance is paramount and where continuous improvement is sought in efficient delivery of service to all customers.
• To respond and action all relevant health and safety associated works.  Ensuring compliance and adherence to all relevant health and safety standards including risk assessments, safe method of works, and regular testing and maintenance.
• Co-ordinate, manage and successfully implement a variety of parks, open spaces and bereavement services programmes.
• Provide essential operational and technical skills to the team.
• Co-ordinate the development of plans, policies, strategies in line with agreed local, regional and national targets to improve the city’s public realm and bereavement services.
• Co-ordinate the financial planning and monitoring of the cemetery, crematorium and city-wide grounds maintenance.

To succeed in this role, a proven track record in leading, delivering and managing grounds maintenance services and experience in delivering bereavement services through Cemeteries and Crematoriums in your remit is essential.

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, as well as Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium management or equivalent demonstrable experience and knowledge is essential for this role.

A full UK driving license is essential, and access to your own vehicle is desirable.

When successful in securing this role you will receive a permanent contract with the opportunity to manage grounds and bereavement services to the highest level for the City. You will also receive:

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

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy of the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.