Director of Estates & Recreation in Antrim

Overview

We are seeking a highly accomplished Director of Estates and Recreation to provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time in our organisation\’s journey. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team, this role offers a unique opportunity to maximise synergies across the Council by driving effective, cross-departmental collaboration in support of our Corporate and Community Plans.

What We Offer

• Salary from £95,495
• 19% employer pension contribution
• Generous annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements

If you are a strategic leader with the experience, ambition and commitment to make a meaningful impact, apply now and help shape the future of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.

Job Details

• JOB TITLE: Director of Estates & Recreation
• SALARY: JNC for Chief Officers Pay Scales (SCP13-16) £95,495-£101,255
• DEPARTMENT: Estates and Recreation
• RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive
• LOCATION OF POST: The post-holders normal place of work will be between Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim, BT41 2UB, and Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA, or any Council location as reasonably directed. This role may also involve travel to other locations to fulfil the duties.
• NORMAL WORKING WEEK: 37-hours, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• The post-holder will be required to attend Council and Committee meetings as required.
• The nature of this post is such that unsocial hours working will be required at times. This may be in addition to the normal working week.
• OTHER CONDITIONS: Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.

Main Purpose of Job

Maximise the synergies, benefits and outcomes in relation to the Corporate and Community Plans through effective corporate cross-departmental collaboration and co-operation.

In the context of the Council\’s Corporate Plan, provide effective leadership as part of the Corporate Leadership Team by:

• Ensuring the strategic management and development of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as a customer and performance-focused organisation supported by the effective use of Council resources and developing and co-ordinating strategies to deliver the Community and Corporate Plans.
• Advising and guiding the Chief Executive and the Council on the formation, development and application of policy and strategic decisions relating to the Directorate and services and facilities.
• Managing, motivating, developing and empowering all departmental employees, leading them to achieve strategic and operational objectives.
• Providing leadership and direction on corporate issues, particularly in relation to the Directorate as a member of the CLT.
• Identifying, monitoring and analysing trends in social policy and the wider environment, anticipating opportunities and implications for the Council in delivering its vision to the community.
• Influencing and scrutinising social and wider public policies which impact the quality of life of residents in the Council area.

Principal Responsibilities

• Carry out any duties as and when required by the Chief Executive.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Corporate and Community Plans for the Council, engaging key stakeholders, including Elected Members, customers, staff and other agencies.
• Be an effective member of the CLT, assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Council\’s corporate and community planning process to achieve the corporate vision.
• Develop and manage departmental strategies and business plans to achieve excellence in delivery and performance to meet the corporate objectives and strategic vision of the Council.
• Drive service improvement and develop robust and transparent strategies that deliver corporate priorities, managing the Directorate\’s human, physical and financial resources to ensure maximum utilisation, efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service.
• Develop a culture where innovation and change are mainstreamed and the management of relationships and delivery of services take account of the political environment, customer expectations, and advances in technology.
• Lead and direct services, establishing appropriate priorities and synergies within the competing demands of a highly diverse and multi-functional organisation.
• Develop effective working across the service portfolio and other departments to meet customer needs, deliver corporate strategies and achieve local objectives.
• Develop and maintain a high-performance management culture in the Directorate with clear objectives linked to the Corporate and Community Plans.
• Provide strategic professional advice for Committees and Sub Committees on policy, strategic, legal and service issues and the public service agenda.
• Prepare strategic reports on key recommendations required to achieve corporate objectives while balancing political aspirations, customer expectations and resources.
• Establish effective partnerships and networks with public, private and voluntary sector bodies at a senior level to support Community Planning and development.
• Manage partnerships with Elected Members, private, public and community partners to further the Council\’s vision for the community.
• Ensure the identification and pursuit of potential funding sources to assist with initiatives and projects in line with the Corporate and Community Plan.
• Represent the Council at external events and on relevant bodies.
• Lead or serve on public sector/local government work groups as appropriate.
• Ensure the implementation of a full, effective and robust Corporate Governance framework, including Risk Management, Safeguarding, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Plans.
• Lead the Directorate in developing an environment which is supportive, fair and open, encouraging capacity building for all employees to meet required performance standards and embed the Council\’s values into service delivery.
• Be an ambassador for the Council in the wider public, private and community sectors locally, regionally and nationally.

Employee Specification

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

• A relevant Degree, or equivalent third level qualification.

DESIRABLE

• Relevant postgraduate or professional qualifications/memberships.

Experience

ESSENTIAL

• Senior management level is defined as working at or reporting directly to an individual at Tier 2 level or equivalent (e.g. working as or reporting to a Director). This includes advising the Chief Executive/Board/Council on or making decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the organisation.
• At least 4 years Senior Management within a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation employing not less than 200 employees and with an annual budget of at least £10 million, in all for the following areas: leading strategic plans, staff development, organisational change, collaboration with partners, and budget responsibility.

DESIRABLE

• Evidence of senior management experience in Leisure Services or Parks Services.

Knowledge

DESIRABLE

• A working knowledge of the legislative framework of local government in Northern Ireland.

Other

• Full current driving licence or access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including attendance at evening meetings and provide emergency out-of-hours support as required.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 27 February 2026, and no late applications will be accepted.

For further details and view application pack please click APPLY to be directed to our website.