At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in managing arts, parks, and events for a vibrant community.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets, a dynamic and rapidly growing local authority in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of culture and tourism while making a real impact on community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in arts/events management and a relevant degree or five years in local government.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 84000 £ per year.
Tower Hamlets is one of the fastest‑growing and most densely populated local authorities in the UK. More people than ever choose to live, work, visit and invest in our borough, and that growth places Culture, Leisure and Tourism at the very heart of everyday life. With over 325,000 residents, over 11 million visitors to our parks and open spaces, and one of London’s most intense urban environments contained within a small geographic footprint that needs to be maintained, the way we manage parks, open spaces, play areas, arts venues and events has a direct impact on public health & wellbeing, pride in place and increasing tourism to the borough.
Our borough includes global centres of business such as Canary Wharf and borders the City of London, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames, making the quality of our public realm highly visible and critically important. While you’ll need superb professional skills and knowledge in arts and events, grounds maintenance, park operations, this is also a great place to personally develop and thrive while you shape the future of Tower Hamlets and our tourism offer.
Working with our leadership teams you will have strategic influence and impact, leading a team developing and implementing innovative park improvement programmes, develop a tourism offer ensuring events are used to promote the borough. You will provide leadership and expertise in managing the Council’s Parks, Tree management, Grounds maintenance service, Arts venues and programmes, Event & Tourism offer, and act as the accountable body for the King George Fields Trust charity and work with community partners to improve the green environment.
Your management and operational experience will shape how services are designed and delivered, ensuring high standards, regulatory compliance and continuous service improvement, while showcasing the Council’s commitment to an excellent Culture, Leisure and Tourism. You will have full responsibility for planning, managing and developing the delivery and performance of Arts, Parks and Events teams in terms of service design, provision, budgets, resources, and health and safety in line with Council procedures and all regulations related to the service.
You will lead on the manifesto pledges to plant more trees, increase the number of outdoor gyms, improve parks and open spaces and develop a tourism offer to boost the visitor experience. This role calls for a confident leader who can operate at pace in a complex operational environment, influence at senior level and build strong, trusting relationships with staff, trade unions, elected members, partners and residents.
You will be an experienced and credible environmental or arts & events professional, with a proven track record of leading large‑scale operational services and managing change successfully. You will work with and be supported by established technical teams, allowing you to focus on leadership and strategic development, income generation, service improvement and excellent service delivery.
You will have detailed operational experience in managing grounds maintenance services related to arboriculture, parks, playgrounds, green environment, arts and events, ideally in a local government setting. You will possess a relevant degree, and/or professional qualification in Horticulture or Event management or related management or at least five years relevant experience within a local authority setting in a similar service.
Tower Hamlets vision for our borough is that people are aspirational, independent and have equal access to opportunities; we are a borough that our residents are proud of and love to live in; and we are a dynamic, outcomes‑based council using digital innovation and partnership working to respond to the changing needs of our borough. We want people who aspire to our TOWER values: Together, Open, Willing, Excellent, Respect.
Tower Hamlets has a zero‑tolerance approach to, and works to eradicate, all forms of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, status as a civil partner, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and maternity, and looks to employ a diverse workforce representative of those groups. We recognise that people can also be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class.
The timing is tight for this – if you’re interested, reach out now. For an informal discussion on the role contact jahur.ali@towerhamlets.gov.uk. However, you’re also welcome to apply directly. We’d love to hear from you.
Our Benefits
- Competitive salary starting at £84,000 plus allowances (if applicable).
- Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
- Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
- Flexible and agile working to support work‑life balance.
- Staff money‑saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
- Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.
Head of Arts, Parks & Event employer: Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
Tower Hamlets is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where culture, leisure, and tourism are at the forefront of community life. With a commitment to employee growth through our Learning Academy and a focus on work-life balance with flexible working options, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in one of London's most vibrant boroughs. Join us in shaping the future of Tower Hamlets, where your leadership will directly enhance public health, wellbeing, and the visitor experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Arts, Parks & Event
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Arts, Parks & Event
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
