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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in managing parks and open spaces for a vibrant community.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, dedicated to enhancing local lives.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Southend’s green spaces and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in parks management and a passion for sustainability.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to community wellbeing and environmental resilience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
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. As Head of Parks and Open Spaces, 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.
What you’ll need to succeed
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.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab.
What you need to do now
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 or email simon.winspear@hays.com. If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103719 - 105854 - Head of Parks & Open Spaces employer: South End City Council
Contact Detail:
South End City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103719 - 105854 - Head of Parks & Open Spaces
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the parks and open spaces sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southend on Sea City Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job. We want to see your application come through directly, so make sure you hit that 'apply online' button and showcase your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103719 - 105854 - Head of Parks & Open Spaces
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Parks & Open Spaces role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in parks management or community engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainability and community impact, and explain how your vision aligns with Southend on Sea City Council's goals.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about parks and open spaces. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative approaches in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Green Spaces
Familiarise yourself with Southend's parks and open spaces. Research their current projects, recent awards, and community initiatives. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the council's vision. Think about examples where you've successfully led teams, built partnerships, or driven innovation in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and operational credibility.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Community Impact
Given the focus on sustainability and community wellbeing, be ready to share your ideas on how to enhance these areas within parks and open spaces. Discuss any relevant experience you have in embedding climate resilience or improving community engagement in your past roles.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the council's objectives. Ask about their future plans for parks and open spaces, or how they measure success in community engagement. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
