Green Spaces Manager - Facilities & Environment

Green Spaces Service Manager

A Surrey-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced Green Spaces Service Manager to lead the strategic management and development of its Green Spaces, Cemeteries and Countryside services on a contract basis.

This is a senior role responsible for a diverse range of public-facing services, including parks and open spaces, commons and countryside, cemeteries, allotments and war memorials. You will lead a dedicated team, manage key contracts and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality, customer-focused services for the local community.

The role also offers the opportunity to support the delivery of a significant capital programme, with responsibility for ensuring the successful delivery of approximately £5 million of capital investment during the 2026/27 financial year.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the Council's Green Spaces contract, Cemeteries service and Countryside team
• Providing strategic leadership across parks, recreation grounds, open spaces, commons, countryside, cemeteries, allotments and war memorials
• Managing and developing a team, including setting objectives, monitoring performance and supporting professional development
• Managing the tendering process, reviewing contract documentation and moderating tenders for contracted services
• Monitoring contractor performance and developing strong partnership relationships to drive continuous improvement
• Supporting the project management and delivery of new projects and facilities, including the Council's circa £5 million capital programme
• Developing and managing budgets, ensuring value for money and effective financial control
• Working closely with external partners including County Council, Police and environmental agencies to ensure green spaces remain safe and welcoming
• Working with community groups and external organisations to develop cost-effective services and facilities
• Preparing reports, programmes and budgets and representing the service at relevant Council meetings and committees
• Supporting the management of unauthorised encampments and moorings on Council-owned land

About You

• Proven experience in contract and service management, ideally within a Local Authority environment
• Strong experience of procurement, tendering and contract performance management
• Experience managing budgets and delivering capital projects or programmes
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working with external partners, contractors and community groups
• Excellent understanding of service improvement, legislation, value for money and public-sector service delivery
• Strong communication, report writing and organisational skills
• Experience within green spaces, parks, countryside, cemeteries, leisure or a related public-facing service would be advantageous

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