Area Parks Lead

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (6 months)

Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance

Closing Date & Closing time: 11.59pm,  15 October 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face 

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

References - where possible we require 3 years' history. 

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice) We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.   Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use. Driving Licence – The successful candidate must always hold a full valid driving licence  as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.

This is an exciting six-month opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of Manchester’s parks and green spaces. As an Area Parks Lead, you will play a central part in delivering the ambitions of Manchester’s Parks Strategy by ensuring our parks are clean, green, safe and welcoming for all communities. You will take ownership of a defined geographic area, providing visible leadership and ensuring that high standards of maintenance, customer experience and operational delivery are consistently achieved.

Manchester boasts over 140 parks and open spaces, 43 allotment sites and three river valleys, making this a unique and rewarding environment in which to work. You will help activate these spaces through strong local relationships and by empowering volunteers and Friends groups to contribute to the vibrancy of their parks. This role is perfect for someone passionate about people, place and improving quality of life across neighbourhoods. 

The Area Parks Lead is a critical role within the Parks, Leisure and Events Service, directly contributing to how effectively parks are delivered, experienced and improved across the city. You will ensure that facilities, buildings and services meet health and safety and statutory requirements, safeguarding users and protecting valuable public assets.

You will also lead operational delivery in your area—overseeing standards, coordinating daily activity, and ensuring that accurate performance information and reports are produced to support decision‑making. This role forges vital links with communities, Friends groups, internal council teams and partner organisations, helping to challenge and improve how services are delivered while enabling residents to play an active part in their local spaces.

By providing strong resource management, supporting commercial and investment opportunities, and ensuring parks reflect the priorities of the city’s long‑term Parks Strategy, the Area Parks Lead ensures Manchester’s parks continue to be safe, attractive and inspiring places where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time. 

For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Mitchell McPherson, on [phone removed] or at [email protected] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.

To help prospective applicants learn more about the opportunity, we will be hosting an online information session. Further details will be confirmed in due course. If you would like to receive an invitation, please register your interest with Lauren Vick at [email protected].

About the Candidate

We are looking for a motivated, confident and community‑minded leader who is passionate about Manchester’s parks and the role they play in improving local neighbourhoods. You will be someone who thrives in a varied, outdoor‑focused environment, able to balance operational delivery with strong partnership working and a real commitment to high standards.

You will bring excellent communication skills, able to work positively with residents, Friends groups, volunteers and a wide range of council teams and partners. You’ll have the ability to analyse information, plan effectively, solve problems and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational setting. Strong organisational skills are essential, along with the capability to coordinate activity, manage resources and motivate others to deliver great services.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, resilient and unafraid to try new approaches to improve the experience of our parks. You’ll understand what quality looks like, be comfortable challenging poor standards, and be able to inspire pride in the environment. A commitment to Manchester’s values—working together, listening, taking ownership and striving for improvement—is key.

If you are passionate about people, proud of place, and excited by the opportunity to make a visible difference in your community, we would love to hear from you. 

Desirable requirements that would be useful in this role:   

Experience working within parks, grounds maintenance, environmental services, or a similar operational setting. Experience in leading, motivating, or coordinating teams in an operational or service‑delivery environment.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday