Playground and Project Manager - Milton Keynes

Parks for London; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A green services company in Milton Keynes is seeking a Play and Project Manager to oversee playground maintenance and community projects. The successful candidate will manage an operational team, ensuring quality service delivery while meeting Health and Safety standards. A track record in service support and significant management experience is required. This role offers opportunities for career progression and various employee benefits.

Benefits

Employee health cash plan

Employee discount portal

Cycle to work scheme

Company sick pay

Career progression

Training and development

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Playground maintenance and construction management.
• Demonstrable track record in service sector support.
• Full, clean driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver operational Play and Project teams.
• Maintain relationships with clients through regular meetings.
• Recruit, train, and motivate staff within the area of operation.
• Manage financial and reporting procedures for project teams.
• Support new client acquisition and assist in tendering.
• Resolve operational difficulties beyond day-to-day practice.

Skills

Management

Operational Awareness

Health and Safety Knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture/Construction

Job description

Overview

Glendale Countryside Ltd the ‘green services’ division of Alston Investments Ltd, has revenues of circa £65 million and operates throughout the UK. Glendale’s activities include grounds management, arboriculture, landscaping, estate management, vegetation control, woodland management, supply and relocation of plants and semi-mature trees, winter services and the management of sports facilities.

At the forefront of green service provision across the UK since 1989, Glendale offers innovative solutions for the total management and maintenance of the green environment. For more information visit www.glendale-services.co.uk.

Role

Working under the direction of the Contract Manager, the role will work with, and supervise, a team of skilled and un-skilled staff, under the banner of ‘Fix-It team’, delivering a rapid response and planned maintenance service to all areas of the Borough, covering; Play Areas, Landscape and Highways maintenance functions. The role will incorporate supporting the strategic development of the service and its alignment with MKCC priorities. To ensure the safe and efficient delivery of services to the standards that meet the requirements of the project plan. To supervise the process of work, labour, equipment and materials from inception to completion in accordance with the project requirements and to the satisfaction of the client.

The post requires the effective delivery of the ‘Fix-it’ service to contribute to the improvement of local neighbourhoods in an effort to enrich peoples lives, stimulate learning, build relationships and encourage physical activity.

The role will focus on operational efficiency, team organisation, minimising costs and ensuring excellent quality across the portfolio of play sites and services offered.

Responsibilities

• Contribute fully to the effective planning and delivery of the operational Play and Project teams within the contract area.
• You will maintain and build relations with existing clients through regular client meetings, recording outcomes and actions.
• Maintain a sound organisational structure, assisting in the recruiting, training and motivating staff within the operating area as required.
• Monitor and manage the Play and Project teams financial and reporting procedures, and assist the Contract manager in the setting of budgets.
• You will Support tendering opportunities, seeking out new clients and supporting the pricing of work and contracts.
• Accountable for resolving operational difficulties and problems, beyond the scope of normal day-to-day practice, undertaking necessary action to provide resolution
• Accountable for seeking expert advice and guidance to address specific technical issues where necessary.
• Liaise with clients and customers, agreeing the programmes of work, the value of the work, payment dates, invoice sums and agreeing payment dates.
• Work with Client teams to plan projects, provide quotes and arrange for the works to be completed using inhouse teams or contractors.
• Accountable for the alignment of the ‘Fix-it MK’ Service with other Council strategies, such as the Play:MK policy, and the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy
• Responsible for the organisation of inspection and maintenance programmes, planned work schedules and for ensuring the ability to respond to problems identified as requiring a prioritised response.
• Responsible for the management, procurement and control of materials and resources of the service.
• Accountable for the organisation and delivery of community based projects involving the work of Parish Councils, volunteers, the probation service and the Youth Justice Service.
• Responsible for effective communications with key members of the Neighbourhood Management Team to ensure that messages are provided to key officers, allowing them to update status on project and works and provide feedback to stakeholders.
• Responsible for the collection and maintenance of key data relating to inspection and works on play areas and providing data to colleagues identifying; details of necessary maintenance requirements and cost estimates, details of maintenance solutions and costings.
• Responsible for resolving a wide range of maintenance problems, some of which will be of high profile and priority in the local community and may be hazardous or be detrimental to the aesthetics of the local environment.
• Managing and directing the staff team members through regular supervision, appraisal and staff meetings
• Managing the programme of play area inspections and maintenance ensuring they are safe, fit for purpose and offer high play value
• Ensure that enquiries received for damage, wear and tear, litter, etc are investigated and made safe within one working day. Once made safe unresolved issues need to be programmed in and resolved as soon as possible.
• Providing advice and support to the MKCC Management Team, Councillors, Parish Councils and other partners regarding the development and redevelopment of play areas.

Health and Safety

To act in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Glendale Health and Safety Policy at all times

You will carry out instructions from your Line Manager in accordance with Glendale’s Health and Safety Policy, Glendale’s Codes of Practice, Glendale’s Quality Management Systems and the Employee Handbook.

You are to be knowledgeable of Health and safety regulations within your workplace and the activities that you are carrying out.

You must ensure that you have completed the necessary induction and health and safety modules prior to commencement of any works.

You will carry out other duties that may arise relevant to the role.

Responsible for ensuring that all work is undertaken in a safe manner complying with current legislation and Health & Safety standards, including; good working practice, the safe use of plant and machinery, use of chemicals and organic materials and that necessary consideration is given to protect members of the public.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

The successful candidate will have a demonstrable track record as a manager of Playground maintenance and construction with operational awareness in the support services sector with at least 5 years experience.

Qualifications

• A nationally recognised academic horticultural/construction qualification at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, for example:
• The National Certificate (BTEC or EdExcel) ~ NVQ Level 3 ~ or
• The Advanced National Certificate or
• The National Diploma or
• The Higher National Certificate or Diploma ~ NVQ Level 4 ~ or
• A Foundation Degree or
• RPII certificate in playground inspection/ management
• A full, clean driving licence is an essential requirement for this role.

Conditions

• TITLE
• Play and Project Manager
• REPORTING TO
• Contract manager
• GRADE
• Manager

Remuneration and Benefits

• Nest auto enrolment after 3 months
• Employee health cash plan
• Employee discount portal - discounts on travel booking, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities and your day to day spending
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company sick pay
• Career progression
• Training and development