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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in managing parks and open spaces for a vibrant city.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, committed to sustainability and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension, and benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of green spaces and make a lasting impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in parks management and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and influence regional policies for a thriving community.
The predicted salary is between 63645 - 79807 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £79,807 plus generous pension and benefits
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 8th February
Southend-on-Sea is an ambitious, growing city – vibrant, diverse, and proud of its stunning coastline, green spaces, and thriving communities. At the heart of this is our award-winning Parks and Open Spaces service, which frequently attract Green Flag awards. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to take this success to the next level.
You will have the opportunity to strategically shape service delivery for the city, influencing how green spaces are managed and enhanced through innovative approaches and future-focused planning. This is a role that goes beyond operational excellence – it’s about creating a sustainable legacy for future generations, embedding climate resilience, biodiversity, and community wellbeing at the core of everything we do.
You will lead a large and diverse portfolio, including parks, allotments, cemeteries, tree management, outdoor sports facilities, and Southend’s own nursery. With responsibility for significant budgets and a workforce of around 150 FTE, you will ensure services are safe, legal, and compliant while driving continuous improvement and innovation.
This is a pivotal moment for Southend. With devolution and regional collaboration shaping the future of local government, you will play a key role in forging partnerships across Essex and beyond, influencing policy and delivery models that benefit residents, business and visitors alike. Your ability to build alliances, mentor teams, and proactively engage with elected Members will be critical to success.
We are looking for a progressive, visionary leader with deep expertise in parks and open spaces, strong commercial acumen, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality, customer-focused services. You will combine strategic thinking with operational credibility, and you will be passionate about sustainability, innovation, and community impact.
If you are ready to take on a role where your leadership will shape the future of one of the UK’s most exciting cities – and influence the wider regional agenda – we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact Simon Winspear at our recruitment partners, Hays Executive, on 07525 466 357.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from multi-ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented at senior levels within our organisation.
Head of Parks and Open Spaces employer: HAYS-2
Contact Detail:
HAYS-2 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Parks and Open Spaces
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the parks and open spaces sector, attend relevant events, and connect with local leaders. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for sustainability and community impact during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by researching Southend-on-Sea’s current parks initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your commitment to shaping the future of our green 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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Parks and Open Spaces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Parks and Open Spaces role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the strategic goals of Southend-on-Sea.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed budgets, and driven innovation in parks and open spaces. We want to see your passion for community impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS-2
✨Know Your Green Spaces
Familiarise yourself with Southend-on-Sea's parks and open spaces. Research their current projects, recent awards, and community initiatives. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in managing diverse portfolios. Highlight your experience in mentoring and building alliances, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with elected Members and stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Innovation
Since the role focuses on creating a sustainable legacy, come prepared with ideas on how to embed climate resilience and biodiversity into service delivery. Discuss innovative approaches you've implemented before and how they could be adapted for Southend-on-Sea.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Be aware of the regional collaboration and devolution trends affecting local government. Show that you understand how these changes impact parks and open spaces management, and be ready to discuss how you would navigate these challenges while benefiting the community.
