Head of Parks and Green Assets in London

Newham, in the heart of East London, is one of the youngest and most diverse boroughs anywhere in the UK. 72% of our residents are from ethnically diverse communities, speaking over 220 languages and our population of 351,000 is growing at a rate of 14%, the third highest rate of growth in London. There is an enormous amount of growth happening across the borough, with major regeneration programmes in Stratford, the Royal Docks, Custom House and Canning Town. Newham has excellent transport links to the rest of the Capital and South-East England. Home to the Olympic Park, the Royal Docks and City Hall, with a mission to Build a Fairer Newham for all its Residents.

We are looking for an inspiring leader with a passion for environmental asset management and the strategic vision to enhance our parks, green spaces, biodiversity, allotments, trees and parks infrastructure.

In this role, you will be the Council’s lead officer for Parks Services, including the development and delivery of service improvement strategies, plans and performance frameworks, commissioning, management of contracts, and partnership arrangements (both internal and external). This role will be responsible for:

• The effective and efficient management, maintenance and operations of the Borough’s parks, highways green spaces, Housing grounds maintenance, allotments and trees.
• Collaborating with lead officers across the Council and taking a lead role in the ongoing partnerships with key stakeholders and service providers to fulfil the ambitions of the service and maximise the sustainable delivery of the parks service for the benefit of all users.
• Providing timely advice to the Director of Public Realm, the Senior Management Team and relevant Cabinet Members.
• Developing and delivering the performance framework for parks and grounds maintenance services.
• Ensuring statutory compliance, best practice and corporately required monitoring systems of these service areas, are implemented and maintained.
• Managing revenue and capital budgets effectively, developing savings plans in accordance with corporate targets, maximising funding opportunities, both internally and externally, and ensuring that contractor(s) deliver value for money.
• Leading major projects including the Beckton Park Master Plan and Forest Lane Park heritage Project that will enable the Council to realise its vision for parks and green space.

You will possess a strong, broad knowledge across parks management, arboriculture, horticulture, biodiversity, and related environmental services with an understanding of legislation, statutory duties, and health & safety requirements relevant to public realm services. You will bring experience of leading teams, delivering complex and sensitive projects as well as championing the interests of Newham’s residents. Your excellent communication skills will be essential to your success in your ability to work as part of the team and develop effective working relationships.