Assistant Development Manager (Parks Projects)

Directorate: Environmental Services Parks and Cemeteries

Location: Initially City Hall, Bangor, however, may be required to work in any Council location.

Reports to: Parks & Cemeteries Development Manager

Salary Scale: PO3, SCP 33-36

Car User Status: Casual

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST

Support the Head of Parks & Cemeteries and the Parks & Cemeteries Development Manager in the management and delivery of small and medium capital and revenue projects and client-side responsibilities for large strategic capital schemes. Ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, compliance with governance standards, and effective stakeholder engagement. Responsibility for developing, reviewing and promoting the service and support the Manager in development and implementation of Service Business Plans. Will contribute to the development of infrastructure, community assets, and service improvements that enhance the quality of life for all.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Capital Client Liaison: Work with the Strategic Capital team, ensuring that client-side responsibilities for large strategic capital schemes meets organisational strategy and delivers intended value and defined outcomes.
• Small to Medium Projects: Manage and deliver small to medium capital and revenue projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Liaise with internal departments, elected members, external contractors, and community groups to ensure project objectives are clearly defined and met. Manage the preparation of tender documentation, evaluation of bids, and management of contracts in accordance with council procurement policies. Undertake research and feasibility studies and support the development of design briefs in collaboration with technical teams, consultants, and service users. Directly manage external consultants and contractors to support the core service as and when required. Promote sustainable design and construction practices, ensuring projects contribute to the Councils climate and environmental goals. Coordinate the smooth transition of completed projects into operational use, including documentation, training, and maintenance planning. Conduct post-project reviews to assess outcomes, capture lessons learned and inform future project planning and delivery. Identify and apply for external funding opportunities, manage grant claims, and ensure compliance with funding body requirements. Maintain accurate project records and contribute to programme-level reporting, including dashboards, risk registers, and performance indicators.
• General: Organise and facilitate public consultations and engagement sessions to gather input and ensure community needs are reflected in project outcomes. Assist in formation of strategies, policies, business plans and reports to support the development of the Parks & Cemeteries Service. Assist in the production of annual budgets, be responsible for monitoring of project budgets and preparation of financial reports and ensure effect use of resources in line with council financial procedures. Support the operation and implementation of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and provide a contact point for partner organisations and the public to develop opportunities for contributions to LBAP targets. Contribute to the development of the Parks and Cemeteries Development Programme by identifying project opportunities, preparing business cases, and aligning projects with service and corporate objectives. Work with the Communications and Marketing Service to promote the work of Parks & Cemeteries to key stakeholders, using a range of traditional and digital opportunities. Directly manage all allocated development staff ensuring that the work schedule is prioritised effectively to ensure that high quality service delivery is maintained. Provide briefings, project updates, reports, and presentations to senior officers and elected members, supplying recommendations and supporting informed decision-making. Participating in recruitment and selection interviews for staff, and monitor employee absence and attendance records, conducting back to work interviews, absence review meetings in accordance with the Council absence policy when applicable. Investigate complaints and queries, working to achieve satisfactory outcomes for all parties including taking corrective action is carried out where necessary. To monitor Health, Safety and Risk issues across the Service area and comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council policies and legal requirements. Deputise for the Manager as requested, within the post-holders sphere of responsibility and provide cover for other team members as necessary. Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post. Note: The post holder may be expected to work outside hours at weekends, evenings and public holidays as dictated by the needs of the service.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

QUALIFICATIONS

• ESSENTIAL: Level 5 qualification or above in a relevant discipline such Business Studies, Project Management or similar.
• DESIRABLE: Level 6 qualification or above in a relevant discipline such Business Studies, Project Management or similar. PRINCE2 Practitioner Level or similar Project Managers qualification.

EXPERIENCE

• ESSENTIAL: Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have two years experience in: Delivery of capital projects within programme and budget. Management of a multi-disciplinary team, associated resources and internal / external stakeholder expectations. Directly delivering on a Parks, Leisure or Outdoor Recreation -based project. Delivering successful outcomes and continuous improvement. Writing and presenting reports to management.
• DESIRABLE: Three years management experience within a Parks, Leisure or Outdoor Recreation environment or similar.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

• ESSENTIAL: Understand and deliver the project scope, budget, duration, risk management and create the project requirements needed to complete the project. Ability to engage and manage internal and external stakeholders effectively. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office 365, GIS and other project applications. Understanding of Health and Safety risks. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• DESIRABLE: An understanding of the requirements of Parks, Outdoor Recreation or Environmental project requirements.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• ESSENTIAL: A full current driving licence valid in the UK (minimum Category B) with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post. Ability to work outside normal office hours including evenings and weekends, as required.

*The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport), is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.