Estates & Operations Manager in Stowmarket

Salary: £35,412–£39,152 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Stowmarket Town Council is the grassroots voice for a thriving market town at the heart of Suffolk, proudly serving a community of around 23,000 residents. As the tier of local government closest to the people it represents, we are accountable to our local community and dedicated to enhancing quality of life in every corner of the town. We deliver essential services, manage valued green spaces, buildings and community facilities, and support a wide range of local events including markets, civic celebrations and seasonal festivities. The Town Council also operates key community assets such as The Regal, Stowmarket Community Centre, play areas and open spaces across the town.

We take pride in creating a safe, well‑maintained, sustainable and welcoming town where residents, visitors, businesses and community groups can thrive.

Why this role matters

As Estates & Operations Manager, you will play a central leadership role in shaping how Stowmarket’s key services, buildings and public spaces are delivered, maintained and improved. You will lead the Council’s Operations Team, overseeing the Town Ranger Service, grounds maintenance, buildings and facilities, play areas, open spaces, public realm infrastructure, markets and wider community services. This is a senior leadership role combining operational delivery with strategic responsibility. You will ensure Council assets are safe, compliant, well maintained and financially sustainable, while also driving service improvement and contributing to strategic decision‑making at senior management level. Your work will be highly visible across the town and central to delivering the Council’s ambitions for high‑quality, well‑managed public services and places.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Operations Team, setting clear standards, objectives and performance expectations
• Oversee delivery of the Town Ranger Service, grounds maintenance, buildings and facilities, play areas, open spaces, public amenities, depot operations and wider community services
• Ensure effective delivery of civic and community events, the twice weekly market and ceremonial and festive activities
• Manage all Council assets including buildings, parks, open spaces, play areas, infrastructure, public realm assets and properties
• Act as lead officer for statutory landlord and asset owner responsibilities, ensuring compliance, insurance and maintenance standards are met
• Manage and develop out‑of‑hours operational response across Town Council estates
• Manage Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes, inspections, surveys and lifecycle planning
• Maintain accurate asset records to support investment, rationalisation, acquisition and disposal, and contribute to corporate risk management
• Oversee infrastructure assets including CCTV, SIDs, bins, signage, surfacing, fencing, play equipment and memorials
• Manage tree stock including inspection, maintenance, risk management and arboriculture works
• Lead capital works, refurbishment and estate improvement projects from inception to completion
• Manage contractors, consultants and service providers in line with procurement rules, financial regulations and governance frameworks
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation across all operational areas including depot facilities, vehicles, equipment and PPE
• Implement risk assessments, safe systems of work, emergency planning and business continuity arrangements
• Manage environmental projects and initiatives aligned to the Biodiversity and Environmental Action Plan
• Embed sustainable practices across operations, maintenance and capital delivery
• Act as a member of the senior management team, contributing to strategic leadership and decision‑making
• Advise Councillors and senior officers on operational and asset matters
• Prepare and present reports to committees and Council meetings
• Manage delegated revenue and capital budgets, ensuring effective financial control and reporting
• Contribute to budget setting, forecasting and financial planning
• Act as out‑of‑hours operational contact when required
• Undertake training and professional development
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post

About You

We are looking for a proactive, strategic and highly organised leader who can confidently manage people, projects and priorities across a wide range of operational services. You will bring:

• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Experience in estates, facilities, operations or public realm management
• Ability to manage multiple services and priorities in a complex operational environment
• Strong understanding of asset management, compliance and service delivery
• Experience in budgets, reporting and performance management
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A solutions‑focused and resilient approach to problem solving
• Ability to work at senior level and contribute to strategic decision‑making

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in shaping and delivering high‑quality public services across Stowmarket. You will play a key role in the management and development of Council assets and services, helping to ensure they remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.