Head of Grounds & Environmental Services

Lgcplus; Bedford; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Head of Grounds & Environmental Services to shape the future of Dunstable. The role involves leading a £1.7m service budget and enhancing award-winning parks. Candidates should have substantial management experience and a passion for creating green spaces. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of £64,374 – £72,307 and a range of benefits including a local government pension scheme and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme (17.8% employer contribution)

Generous annual leave (up to 33 days plus bank holidays)

Wellbeing initiatives and professional development support

Qualifications

• Substantial management experience in grounds, environmental or related services.
• Strong financial and project management skills, with proven ability to deliver value for money.
• A passion for green and open spaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead a £1.7m service budget and capital programmes up to £5m.
• Protect and enhance award-winning parks and open spaces.
• Drive innovation and harness external contracts for service delivery.

Skills

Management experience in grounds or environmental services

Financial and project management skills

Passion for green and open spaces

Leadership skills

Job description

Head of Grounds & Environmental Services

Dunstable Town Council is one of the UK's largest and most ambitious town councils. With a £4m budget, 80 staff and a portfolio of award‑winning parks, open spaces and community assets, we are recognized nationally through Britain in Bloom and Green Flag awards. We are passionate about our town, resourceful and financially astute, and proud to deliver ambitiously and responsibly for our community.

We are seeking a strategic and inspirational Head of Grounds & Environmental Services to join our senior management team and help shape the future of Dunstable.

Why Join Us?

• Shape strategy at scale: Lead a £1.7m service budget and capital programmes up to £5m, translating corporate priorities into operational plans with real impact, including the creation of a new cemetery to meet future community needs.
• Champion green and open spaces: Protect and enhance award‑winning parks and open spaces, starting with our 2026 Britain in Bloom campaign, alongside Green Flag management plans to retain national recognition through 2027 and beyond.
• Drive innovation and income: Harness opportunities, external contracts and funding to expand what we can deliver for residents.
• Deliver ambitiously and responsibly: Work in a council empowered to invest and innovate, continually improving services that matter most to our community.

About You

• Substantial management experience in grounds, environmental or related services.
• Strong financial and project management skills, with proven ability to deliver value for money and maximise the impact of budgets and capital programmes.
• A passion for green and open spaces, with a vision to inspire civic pride.
• The confidence to represent Dunstable nationally and build strong partnerships locally, acting as a visible and approachable leader.

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (17.8% employer contribution).
• Generous annual leave (up to 33 days plus bank holidays).
• Wellbeing initiatives, staff discounts, volunteering days and professional development support.

How To Apply

Email for a candidate pack and application form (CVs not accepted). The assessment process will be over two stages with interviews taking place over the week commencing 2 February 2026 (first stage) and week commencing 9 February 2026 (second stage). Candidates can expect to undertake additional tasks such as a presentation and/or leadership assessment.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm, 20th January 2026.

Permanent, full‑time role. Salary: £64,374 – £72,307.

Dunstable, Bedfordshire, UK.