At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and improvement of parks and green spaces in Ealing.
- Company: Ealing Council, dedicated to creating vibrant communities and enhancing quality of life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovation and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of parks and open spaces, impacting community wellbeing and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in parks management, budget handling, and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ealing Council have an exciting new opportunity for a parks development manager available on a full time. At Ealing Council, we are committed to ensuring every family has a decent living income and can afford a genuinely affordable home. We strive to create communities where everyone can live a long, happy, and healthy life, full of pride and identity. We aim to create an environment where every child can reach their potential and achieve their dreams.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Parks Development Manager to lead the improvement, investment and long‑term development of the borough’s parks, green spaces and open spaces. This is a senior leadership role within the Parks & Open Spaces service, with responsibility for shaping policy, delivering major capital investment, improving biodiversity outcomes and ensuring our parks continue to make a positive impact on residents, communities and the local environment.
You will lead a specialist multi‑disciplinary team that includes landscape architects, an ecologist and a senior ranger, and manage significant revenue and capital budgets while working closely with elected members, partners and communities.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing leadership and strategic direction to the parks improvement and development function, aligning delivery with council priorities and statutory requirements
- Managing and delivering capital programmes (c. £2-3m) and revenue budgets (c. £1.5m) while securing additional external funding, grants and sponsorship
- Leading the planning, design and delivery of park infrastructure improvements and investment programmes
- Driving continuous service improvement through performance management, business planning and change
- Supporting borough‑wide strategies including the Biodiversity Action Plan, Green Infrastructure and Open Spaces Strategy and Outdoor Sports Facility Strategy
- Responding to planning applications and maximising opportunities through S106 and CIL contributions to improve green infrastructure
- Leading community engagement including Friends Groups, forums and partnerships with voluntary and external organisations
- Advising and briefing elected members, responding to residents’ enquiries and presenting reports to Cabinet and Scrutiny
- Ensuring compliance with health & safety, equalities duties and legislation relating to parks, trees, allotments, cemeteries, events and nature conservation
- Acting as cover for the Head of Parks & Open Spaces when required
About You
You will be a confident and credible leader with substantial experience in parks, open spaces or green infrastructure services, ideally in a local authority or similarly complex organisation.
- A proven track record of managing and delivering parks or public realm improvement programmes
- Strong experience of budget management, business planning and securing external funding
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience of working with elected members and community groups
- Experience of managing and motivating professional teams
- A strong understanding of the role parks and open spaces play in community wellbeing, environmental sustainability and place‑making
- Confidence in operating in a politically aware, culturally diverse environment
Essential Qualifications
- A relevant degree qualification
- An appropriate professional or management qualification
Values
You will demonstrate the council's values by being resident‑focused, collaborative, innovative, accountable and trustworthy, with a genuine passion for improving life for residents through high‑quality parks and open spaces.
Safeguarding
This post is subject to safeguarding requirements and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Ealing Council is committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive. We therefore welcome applications from all residents of the borough, and particularly welcome applications from candidates who are entering the employment market in the early stages of their career and mid‑career professionals, who are currently underrepresented in Ealing’s workforce.
You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.
Parks Development Manager in London employer: Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
Contact Detail:
Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Development Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the parks and open spaces sector, especially those connected to Ealing Council. Attend local events or community meetings to make connections and show your passion for improving green spaces.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Ealing Council's current projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around community engagement and biodiversity.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive improvements in 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 noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in their communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Development Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in parks and open spaces. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Parks Development Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leadership role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past, especially in community engagement or environmental initiatives.
Highlight Budget Management Experience: Since you'll be managing significant budgets, make sure to detail your experience with budget management and securing funding. We love to see numbers, so if you’ve successfully managed large capital programmes, let us know!
Engage with Our Values: Ealing Council values collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you've worked collaboratively with stakeholders or contributed to community wellbeing through your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing)
✨Know Your Parks Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Ealing Council's parks and open spaces. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, challenges, and community feedback. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Parks Development Manager, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others while achieving strategic objectives.
✨Budget Management is Key
With significant budgets at stake, be ready to discuss your experience in managing capital and revenue budgets. Bring specific examples of how you've secured external funding or grants, and how you’ve ensured financial accountability in previous roles.
✨Engage with Community Insights
Community engagement is crucial for this role. Think about your past experiences working with community groups and stakeholders. Be prepared to share how you've successfully built partnerships and engaged residents in park development initiatives, showcasing your commitment to improving community wellbeing.