Manchester City Council
Area Parks Lead
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Area Parks Lead
Working Hours
35 Hours Per Week
Contract Type
Full-Time, Temporary (6 months)
Additional Payments
Casual Car Allowance
Closing Date & 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the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action
Role Requirements
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.
About the Role
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
About You
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
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 allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Requirements
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long-term condition
When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering
- A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
What We Will Need From You If You're Successful
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London