South End City Council
R2R105048 - Operations Manager - Parks & Grounds Maintenance

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Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council are looking to appoint a full time, permanent Parks & Grounds Maintenance Operations Manager.
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I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
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This is a management role responsible for managing and developing the council’s parks, open spaces, horticulture and grounds maintenance services. The postholder will lead multi-disciplinary teams, oversee operational performance, resources, budgets, and ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, sustainable and high-quality services for residents and visitors across the city.
The role also drives service improvement, workforce development while ensuring compliance with legislation, health and safety requirements.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, you will need to bring experience in leading parks, grounds maintenance or public realm services, with a strong track record of managing large operational teams, budgets and service improvement programmes.
You will have excellent communication and management skills, capable of driving positive change, building trusted relationships and delivering high-performing services. Have a strong understanding of health and safety, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement and staff development, which will be key to achieving success in this position.


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What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy of the Job Description, please click here.
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
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