Group Manager - Parks and Greenspaces

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

• Job title:
  
  Group Manager - Parks and Green spaces
• Job reference:
• Date posted: 02/10/2026
• Final date to receive applications: 01/11/2026
• Working Pattern:
  Full time
• Salary: £58,339 - £63,151 a year
• Contractual hours: 37
• Basis:
  Full time
• Job category/type:
  Management, Parks / Gardens
• Contract Type:
  Permanent
• Location:
  
  Stores Road
• Hours:
  
  37 hours per week

If you have the vision to shape the green heart of a city and want your work to make a visible difference every day, the Parks and Green Spaces Group Manager role at Derby City Council offers a rare opportunity. As Parks and Green Spaces Group Manager, you will play a central part in Derby’s journey towards net zero, climate resilience and more active, healthier communities.

In this role, you will lead an award-winning network of parks, nature areas and community green spaces that directly influence quality of life for residents and visitors. As Parks and Green Spaces Group Manager, you will help ensure these much-loved places are safe, welcoming, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

You will join a supportive Climate & Active Environments team, working alongside specialists in climate change, active travel, public health and nature recovery. As Parks and Green Spaces Group Manager, you will have real scope to innovate, develop your leadership career and shape the future of green infrastructure across the whole city.

As Parks and Green Spaces Group Manager, you will:

• Lead the overall management of parks, open spaces, play areas, sports pitches, allotments, nature reserves and cemetery grounds across the city.
• Plan how green spaces are developed and improved, making sure they support wildlife, reduce carbon emissions and are resilient to a changing climate.
• Manage significant budgets, contracts and resources so that services are efficient, good value for money and financially sustainable.
• Make sure parks and green spaces are safe, well maintained, welcoming and accessible for all communities.
• Work closely with local residents, community groups, volunteers, schools and partners to shape and deliver activities and improvements together.
• Provide clear, supportive leadership to a large and varied workforce, promoting a strong culture of safety, wellbeing, inclusion and high performance.
• Oversee health and safety and emergency planning for parks and green spaces, including responses to severe weather and major incidents.

You will be an experienced leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on operational understanding.

You will have:

• Substantial leadership experience in parks and green spaces, environmental services or closely related public realm services, including a strong track record in grounds maintenance and tree management.
• Experience of managing a varied portfolio of sites such as parks, open spaces, play areas, sports pitches and allotments, and the confidence to take responsibility for cemetery grounds.
• Proven ability to lead large operational and technical teams, manage major contracts and projects, and deliver high‑quality services on time and within agreed budgets.
• Strong financial skills, including managing significant revenue and capital budgets and making sure services provide good value for money.
• A clear understanding of how parks and green spaces contribute to climate goals, nature recovery, public health and physical activity.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior officers, elected members, partners, communities and volunteers.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity,…