Location
Horndean, Hampshire
Hours
37 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday, with occasional evening meetings where required. Time off in lieu is provided in accordance with Council policies.
Salary
£36,581 per annum
About the Role
Help us shape the future of our parks, open spaces and recreational facilities. We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Grounds Manager to join our Senior Management Team at an exciting time for Horndean Parish Council. The Council is investing in and evolving its approach to managing its land portfolio, green spaces and recreational facilities. We want to build on what we already have, take a more strategic and sustainable approach to our assets, and ensure our parks, open spaces, nature reserves, play areas and other community facilities continue to serve residents well for years to come. This is an opportunity to play a leading role in that journey.
As Grounds Manager, you will be responsible for the operational management, enhancement and sustainability of the Council’s parks, recreation grounds, nature reserves, amenity areas, play areas, closed churchyard and other Council-owned land and environmental assets. This role goes beyond maintenance; you will help shape how these spaces are managed in the future by identifying opportunities to improve services, strengthen environmental stewardship, enhance biodiversity and ensure recreational facilities are safe, welcoming, accessible and well managed.
As a member of the Council’s Senior Management Team, you will provide professional and operational leadership across grounds, open spaces and environmental services. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the development and delivery of grounds maintenance, open space and environmental management programmes
- Developing management plans, maintenance schedules and improvement programmes across the Council’s land and community assets
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, investment, environmental enhancement and service improvement
- Leading and developing the grounds team, including three direct reports, while coordinating contractors, seasonal resources and volunteers
- Overseeing the management of parks, recreation grounds, nature reserves, amenity areas, play areas and other Council-owned land
- Driving improvements in biodiversity, habitat management, woodland management and environmental sustainability
- Ensuring recreational facilities and play areas are maintained safely and to a high standard
- Developing opportunities for residents, schools, volunteers and community organisations to become involved in our open spaces
- Managing contracts and contributing to revenue and capital budget planning
- Identifying external funding, grants and environmental stewardship opportunities to help deliver improvements
- Acting as a professional adviser to the Council and providing reports and recommendations to councillors and relevant committees
This role offers the chance to make a visible and lasting difference. You will join at a time when the Council is reviewing how it manages, maintains and invests in its land and recreational assets, with an ambition to develop a more coordinated, professional and sustainable approach. We want our green spaces to deliver more for our community: places for recreation and play, opportunities to support health and wellbeing, environments where biodiversity can thrive, and spaces which residents can enjoy and take pride in.
You will have the opportunity to bring forward ideas, develop improvement programmes and business cases, explore new funding opportunities and help translate the Council’s ambitions into practical action on the ground.
Experience
Proven experience in grounds management, parks and open spaces, countryside or environmental management, recreation, horticulture or a related field. Experience managing people, contractors, projects and budgets effectively is essential.
About you
You are proactive, organised and solutions focused. You can lead, motivate and develop staff and volunteers. You have a strong understanding of safe and effective land and grounds management and are passionate about delivering high-quality public spaces. You understand the importance of biodiversity and sustainable land management. You can build productive relationships with councillors, residents, community organisations and professional partners. You are confident developing ideas and turning them into deliverable improvement projects. You bring a positive, collaborative “can-do” approach to leadership.
Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in grounds management, horticulture, environmental management or a related discipline are desirable but not explicitly stated as mandatory. A commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to engage with new approaches and funding opportunities is important.
