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

What to do next If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the criteria above, please submit your application today. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Phoebe Kingston at Carrington West on (phone number removed) / (url removed)

Footnote If this particular role is not quite right for you in terms of rate, location, or level, please still feel free to send us your CV. We regularly recruit for similar Highways, Traffic & Parking roles across London and the wider UK at all levels. Even if you are not actively seeking a move, we always welcome confidential conversations with industry professionals planning ahead. Our specialist team has over 70 years' combined experience in this sector. By applying for this position, you agree to Carrington West holding and processing your personal data in accordance with our Data Protection Policy. Your information may be shared with relevant third-party clients in connection with roles you have applied for. If you wish to withdraw your consent at any time, please contact us