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 – Gardens & Horticulture, you will lead, develop and manage the gardening and horticulture services, including the golf course and outdoor sports pitches, ensuring high quality parks and open spaces are delivered efficiently and effectively. Key duties will include:

• To lead and manage staff undertaking a variety of operational activities across parks and open spaces, including the golf course and sports pitches.
• Provide strong leadership and direction to staff, developing their skills and knowledge, managing performance and encouraging a culture of collaborative and customer focused working.
• Ensure appropriate conduct at all times and maximise financial and environmental sustainability whilst ensuring compliance and adherence to all relevant health and safety standards including risk assessments, safe method of works, and regular testing and maintenance.
• 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.

To 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 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 your service to the highest level and develop and deliver exceptional garden and horticulture services. 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.