About The Service
Cardiff is one of the greenest cities in the United Kingdom, and our extensive network of parks and green spaces for which our residents have a close affinity with shape it’s character, providing an expression of our capital city.
The Council recognises the contribution that these spaces make to the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the city, the important role they play in response to the climate and nature emergency agendas and is committed to an ambitious programme of investment and sustainable development.
About the job
Provision includes 395 individual parks and green spaces, 15 of which hold Green Flag status, 47 woodland sites, 28 statutory allotments sites, 171 play facilities and 151 sports pitches / playing surfaces.
Working for one of the largest employers in Wales, an exciting senior management opportunity exists for a committed and experienced individual with strong leadership skills to join a motivated and passionate group of officers working within the Economic Development Directorate, leading the parks operational team of over one hundred full time equivalent staff.
What We Are Looking For From You
You will possess a recognised professional qualification in amenity horticulture or related field and demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development.
Considerable experience in parks and green space management, leading an outdoor workforce and with an awareness of the factors influencing service provision are essential requirements and in a hands on and people focused role you will also have the ability to inspire and develop teams and individuals enabling them to reach their full potential.
Stakeholder engagement is significant, and you will be adept in supporting and encouraging local communities, given the level of engagement strong interpersonal skills and the ability to demonstrate achievement in service delivery through partnerships is an essential requirement, as is the ability to manage large and complex budgets, in the context of financial pressures.
Service delivery is wide and diverse, and the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the horticultural / grounds maintenance, arboricultural, plant production, playground management, land / asset management, allotment, parks development and urban / community park ranger functions.
You will also have experience of developing and shaping policy and strategy for parks services and the ability to work closely and effectively with other senior managers, trade unions and elected members, understanding political processes and managing politically sensitive issues.
A Commitment to Council’s policies on Equality and Diversity must also be demonstrated.
With credibility, energy and determination, you will be alert and responsive with the ability to quickly resolve a wide range of problems, working at pace, under pressure to deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy.
Additional information
The Council is committed to investing in its people resource and the role will provide opportunities for learning and personal development with the successful candidate participating in all Wales, core cities and international networks and forums.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
This vacancy is suitable for post share.
Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances the interview process for this role will be held on a virtual basis using an appropriate online platform. If you have any concerns around your ability to participate in a virtual interview process or if you would like an informal conversation about this role prior to application, please contact Jonathan Maidment, Head of Parks & Cardiff Harbour Authority on 07976 011751.
Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website:
Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-
- Application Guidance
- Applying for jobs with us
- Behavioural Competency Framework
Additional Information:-
- Employee Charter
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
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