Do you want to make a difference?

Here at Eastleigh Borough Council, we are committed to making a positive difference for all the residents, businesses and visitors to Eastleigh, and we are proud to be delivering on our promises to create sustainable, healthy communities and increase employment and housing opportunities for all.

Eastleigh Borough Council is actively seeking to recruit a permanent Public Open Spaces Manager as part of our Green Spaces team.

We were APSE’s Council of the Year 2022. With a clearly defined corporate plan and two-year budget, with big ambitions for the future, all supported by longstanding stability and a vibrant organisational culture, Eastleigh could be where you take your career to the next level.

Our achievements include one of the highest recycling rates in the south, delivery of major capital projects from elite sports venues to major mixed-tenure housing developments, reducing Council Tax in real terms for 20 years running, and tackling the housing crisis as the Borough’s leading housing developer. And there’s more to come.

About the Role

You will be working as part of Neighbourhoods and Green Spaces, a diverse part of the council which looks after everything from grounds maintenance, waste and recycling, pest control, and fleet services to countryside and country parks.

You will be responsible for the management and maintenance of all public open spaces, providing leadership to all staff within the service and ensuring our customers receive an efficient and good-quality service. You will have direct control of and responsibility for operational services budgets, including monitoring expenditures and maximising opportunities to increase income.

You will lead a health and safety-first approach so that working safely is embedded as a way of working across all services. You will provide support to the Head of Green Spaces in directing and implementing strategies for public open spaces.

You will work with the Head of Service to drive service improvements, including a staff training and development plan to build resilience across the service areas. The role will also conduct site visits with residents and Councillors and liaise with housing developers regarding inspections and the adoption of newly landscaped open spaces.

About You

To be successful, you will possess a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as horticulture, landscape management, or landscape conservation.

If you are able to demonstrate additional certifications in play area inspections, cemetery management and leadership and management, this would be advantageous. You should have extensive experience in managing green spaces and landscapes, including practical knowledge of horticultural and landscaping techniques. Experience in budget and project management is also essential.

Moreover, you will demonstrate exceptional communication and management abilities, the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure, and the capability to inspire and cultivate a positive team culture.

About Us

The Borough of Eastleigh is home to a diverse array of parks, open spaces and natural green spaces that provide our community and visitors with opportunities for recreation, connection with nature, associated health benefits, events, and cultural experiences. We are seeking a knowledgeable and adaptable leader with hands-on expertise in horticulture, biodiversity, and the upkeep of green spaces.

Safety and legal compliance are a must, and we welcome applications from people with a positive attitude towards managing and developing a culture of staff safety.

At Eastleigh, we are committed to supporting and developing all our staff and creating a culture that is inclusive, innovative and enjoyable. We offer excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and support our staff in maintaining a good work/life balance through our innovative flexi-time system. We are an accredited member of the Living Wage Foundation, supporting our staff with a salary based on the cost of living. We also have an excellent package of benefits, including:

• 26–29 days’ annual leave, dependent on service
• Flexible working arrangements and the ability to accrue up to 2 days’ additional flexi leave per month (subject to operational requirements)
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Places Leisure, Eastleigh – 30% off full membership
• Confidential employee advice and support programme
• Car and season ticket loans
• Excellent working environment
• Support for continuous professional development
• Good work/life balance

For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Simon Gould, Head of Green Spaces, at simon.gould@eastleigh.gov.uk.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 25 September 2024.