Job Summary
Parks and Open Spaces Service Manager
Salary: Band 13: £60,906 – £68,200 per annum
Full time, permanent, located in Portsmouth
37 hours per week. Office attendance is required – flexible, subject to business needs. Work across the city due to nature of the role.
Closes: 20 July 2026
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for Portsmouth’s parks, open spaces, countryside areas, play facilities, allotments, arboriculture services and cemeteries, supporting the city’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and wider council priorities.
- Lead a diverse team of more than 40 staff overseeing management, maintenance and improvement of parks and open spaces.
- Oversee major capital projects, manage an annual budget of approximately £2.4 million, and drive service improvement, sustainability and innovation.
- Report to the Director of Culture, Leisure and Regulatory Services; deputise for the Director when required.
- Build strong relationships with residents, councillors, community groups, partners and colleagues across the council to support effective service delivery and positive outcomes.
- Champion biodiversity, climate resilience and community engagement, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with statutory requirements.
Qualifications
- Professional qualification and/or extensive experience in parks and open spaces management, understanding both operational and strategic challenges.
- Experience managing horticulture, open spaces, heritage assets, nature conservation and habitat management, preferably within a local government environment.
- Highly effective communicator, able to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and translate complex legislation, policy and best practice into clear guidance.
- Ability to motivate, develop and inspire a diverse team across multiple sites, fostering a positive, collaborative and solution‑focused culture.
- Experience in contract management, procurement and delivery of complex services.
- Specialist knowledge of planning, development and management of outdoor recreational facilities, including play and splash parks.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, resolve challenges constructively and deliver high‑profile projects and services on time and within budget.
- Sound understanding of relevant legislation, council policies and procedures (health and safety, finance, HR, procurement, planning and environmental requirements).
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work‑related travel.
About the Role
At Portsmouth City Council, we’re committed to creating a greener, healthier and more connected city. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment and community, leading projects that support sustainability, biodiversity, and active lifestyles.
Parks and Opens Spaces Service Manager in Portsmouth employer: South East Employers
At Redlands Primary School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the growth and development of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring that every Early Years Practitioner has access to ongoing training opportunities and resources to enhance their skills. Located in the vibrant community of Reading, we offer a rewarding environment where you can make a meaningful impact on young minds while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
