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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in managing award-winning parks and open spaces.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most ambitious town councils in Dunstable.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a strong pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community spaces and inspire civic pride.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in grounds or environmental services with strong financial skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the community.
The predicted salary is between 64374 - 72307 £ per year.
Lead the Future of Award Winning Parks and Open Spaces in One of the UK's Most Ambitious Town Councils.
Dunstable Town Council is one of the UK's largest and most ambitious town councils. With a £4m budget, 80 staff and a portfolio of award winning parks, open spaces and community assets, we are recognised nationally through Britain in Bloom and Green Flag awards. We are passionate about our town, resourceful and financially astute, and proud to deliver ambitiously and responsibly for our community - with the scope to invest and innovate in ways that continually improve wellbeing, sustainability and civic pride.
We are now seeking a strategic and inspirational Head of Grounds & Environmental Services to join our senior management team and help shape the future of Dunstable.
Why join us?
- Shape strategy at scale: Lead a £1.7m service budget and capital programmes up to £5m, translating corporate priorities into operational plans with real impact - including the creation of a new cemetery to meet future community needs.
- Champion green and open spaces: Protect and enhance award winning parks and open spaces, starting with our 2026 Britain in Bloom campaign, along with Green Flag management plans with a clear ambition to retain national recognition through 2027 and beyond.
- Drive innovation and income: Harness opportunities, external contracts and funding to expand what we can deliver for residents.
- Deliver ambitiously and responsibly: Work in a council empowered to invest and innovate, continually improving services that matter most to our community.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic leader with:
- Substantial management experience in grounds, environmental or related services.
- Strong financial and project management skills, with proven ability to deliver value for money, and maximise the impact of budgets and capital programmes.
- A passion for green and open spaces, with the vision to inspire civic pride.
- The confidence to represent Dunstable nationally and build strong partnerships locally, acting as a visible and approachable leader.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme (17.8% employer contribution).
- Generous annual leave (up to 33 days plus bank holidays).
- Wellbeing initiatives, staff discounts, volunteering days and professional development support.
Join us and help to lead one of the UK's most ambitious town councils - where strategy, civic pride and passion for our community come together.
How to apply
Email for a candidate pack and application form (CVs not accepted).
Closing date: Applications must be submitted by 5pm, 20th January 2026. The assessment process will be over two-stages with interviews taking place over week commencing 2 February 2026 (first stage) and week commencing 9 February 2026 (second stage). Candidates can expect to undertake additional tasks such as a presentation and/or leadership assessment as part of the process.
Head of Grounds & Environmental Services employer: Dunstable Town Council
Contact Detail:
Dunstable Town Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds & Environmental Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with current employees at Dunstable Town Council. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about green spaces but also understand how to drive innovation and income for the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed teams and budgets in the past. We want to see your strategic thinking and how you can inspire civic pride in Dunstable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our ambitious team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds & Environmental Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand Dunstable Town Council and what we stand for. Check out our parks, community initiatives, and awards. This will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our ambitious goals.
Be Specific: When detailing your experience, be specific about your achievements in grounds and environmental services. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've managed budgets or led projects successfully. We love seeing concrete evidence of your impact!
Show Your Passion: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about green spaces and community wellbeing. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm in your application. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to enhancing open spaces.
Follow Our Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Fill out the application form completely and don’t forget to submit it before the deadline. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunstable Town Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Grounds & Environmental Services. Familiarise yourself with Dunstable Town Council's current projects, especially their award-winning parks and open spaces. Being able to discuss specific initiatives or challenges they face will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your management style and how you've successfully led teams in grounds or environmental services. Think about times when you’ve driven innovation or improved services, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since the role involves managing a substantial budget, be ready to discuss your financial management experience. Bring examples of how you've maximised budgets and delivered value for money in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the financial responsibilities of the position.
✨Engage with the Community Vision
Dunstable Town Council values civic pride and community engagement. Be prepared to talk about your vision for enhancing green spaces and how you would involve the community in these initiatives. Showing that you can connect with residents and stakeholders will set you apart as a candidate.
