Head of Grounds & Environmental Services in Luton
Head of Grounds & Environmental Services

Head of Grounds & Environmental Services in Luton

Luton Full-Time 64374 - 72307 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 management experience in grounds or environmental services required.
  • 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

  • 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). 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 in Luton employer: Dunstable Town Council

Dunstable Town Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and innovate within one of the UK's most ambitious councils. With a strong commitment to community wellbeing and sustainability, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and professional development support, all while working in a collaborative environment that values civic pride and strategic impact. Join us in shaping the future of our award-winning parks and open spaces, where your leadership can make a real difference.
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Contact Detail:

Dunstable Town Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds & Environmental Services in Luton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just passionate about green spaces but also understand the specific challenges and opportunities Dunstable faces.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our vision for the future of Dunstable. We want to hear how you can inspire civic pride and drive innovation in our parks and open spaces.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds & Environmental Services in Luton

Strategic Leadership
Management Experience in Grounds and Environmental Services
Financial Management
Project Management
Budgeting Skills
Innovation and Income Generation
Community Engagement
Partnership Building
Civic Pride Advocacy
Knowledge of Green Flag Management
Campaign Planning
Operational Planning
Communication Skills
Visionary Thinking

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. Familiarise yourself with our parks, community initiatives, and the values we uphold. This will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to our ambitious goals.

Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your management skills in grounds or environmental services. Use specific examples that highlight your financial acumen and project management success. We want to see how you've delivered value for money and made a real impact in your previous roles.

Be Passionate: Let your passion for green and open spaces shine through in your application. Share your vision for enhancing our parks and how you plan to inspire civic pride within the community. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!

Follow Our Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to fill out the application form and send it in by the deadline. Don’t forget to check for any additional tasks like presentations or assessments that might be part of the process. Good luck!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dunstable Town Council

✨Know Your Green Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of parks and environmental services. Understand the latest trends in sustainability and community engagement, as well as Dunstable's specific initiatives like the Britain in Bloom campaign. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you've driven innovation or improved services, as this aligns perfectly with what Dunstable Town Council is looking for.

✨Financial Savvy is Key

Since the role involves managing a significant budget, be ready to discuss your financial and project management skills. Bring examples of how you've maximised budgets and delivered value for money in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the council's resources effectively.

✨Be Approachable and Engaging

As a leader, you'll need to build strong partnerships and represent Dunstable nationally. Practice your communication skills and think about how you can convey your vision in an engaging way. Being personable and approachable will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your leadership style.

Head of Grounds & Environmental Services in Luton
Dunstable Town Council
Location: Luton
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