As a member of the Environment Services Management Team (ESMT), this role will support the Head of Environment Services to deliver a wide range of customer facing services either directly, on behalf of partner organisations or through a variety of contractual arrangements for the Council working within the relevant legislative framework and organisational policies.
Key to the role will be the need to manage, inspire and develop a range of teams to provide high quality, value for money services to the residents and effective collective corporate support to the Council to enable the delivery of the Council’s ambitious agenda, through interactions with staff, elected Members and other stakeholders. Ensuring Norwich is a safe and attractive place for our residents, visitors and users of all services.
Working together to provide ownership of cross-cutting challenges and opportunities, breaking down silos and working across teams to take a ‘whole system’ approach which puts the resident at the heart of things. Engaging and supporting teams across the organisation to develop innovative ideas for digital service transformation and to turn these ideas into action.
Job Description
* Leading on the service delivery of a number of teams (Parks and Open Spaces, Parking, Cemeteries and Allotments), ensuring that agreed outcomes/milestones are being achieved through effective management against key performance measures/corporate priorities/individual and team objectives and that team structures support both delivery and development
* Ensure that rigorous and timely strategic and operational contract management is carried out on all contracts (primarily capital projects within our parks) ensuring quality, value for money as well as clear communication lines to ensure continued customer focus
* Ensure the teams adopt an agile, proactive and innovative approach to service initiatives and delivery
* Ensure all projects are planned and managed from inception to completion with a view to continuously improving services, achieving environmental sustainability and contributing positively to climate change
* Ensure that service budgets are proactively managed as well as reporting on any variations against forecast in accordance with corporate financial procedures
* Responsible for specific/delegated revenue budgets
* Ensure that teams develop working practices and procedures which promote and maintain the highest professional standards and provide an appropriate and co-ordinated approach to service provision
* Lead on work priorities/objectives set by Head of Environment Services and develop work plans for the teams to deliver those objectives and to support dynamic and innovative service delivery that is customer focused
* Look for opportunities to bring in income streams into the Council and horizon scanning for opportunities and efficiency savings across the organisation
* Ensuring that professional advice is provided to all service areas across the council across the areas covered by this post
* Ensuring the Council meets its statutory duties both legally and financially through sound governance and that teams comply with relevant statutory legislation including health and safety and support the business continuity process
* Empowering staff within teams to work within a risk management and governance framework which clearly sets out decision making parameters and supports their development to help them understand, assess and manage risk across their areas of work
* Maintain effective performance monitoring procedures and provide timely and accurate reports/management information to all stakeholders
* Provide advice and guidance on the interpretation of procedures and regulations in a relevant way for all stakeholders
* Develop, sustain, manage and maximise the council’s car parking operations which includes on street parking as well as council car parks and the bus shelter service
* Work with communities, colleagues, local, regional and national partners and contractors to ensure the City’s open spaces, parks, allotments and natural areas are developed and enhanced to maximise use, access, biodiversity and safe enjoyment by the public
* Lead in the implementation of specific strategies related to service teams as identified by the Head of Environment Services
* Prepare reports, briefings and presentations to all internal and external audiences and be responsible for the preparation, submission and presentation of reports on behalf of the Head of Environment Services
* Prepare consultation responses to local, regional and national bodies on complex issues and to operate effective means of consulting and communicating with the public and stakeholders and of monitoring public views/satisfaction. This includes meeting, liaising and advising elected members
* Provide cover for other senior colleagues in the service as and when required or delegated
Responsibilities
* Responsible for the following teams/areas:
These may change in consultation with the postholder.
* Parks and Open Spaces
* Parking operations
* Allotments
* Cemeteries
* Mousehold Heath
* Fringe Project
Skills Required
Ability to find positive solutions to complex issues (solutions focused) and to carry out research
Ability to give timely advice and to provide clear explanations of policies, give professional judgements and make logical decisions to a varied audience
Ability and skills to work co-operatively with others to achieve goals
Ability to make an active contribution to an environment of trust and mutual respect across the service
Ability to train, develop, coach, empower and mentor staff
Ability to support/deliver projects that cut across organisational boundaries, address corporate issues and deliver improved outcomes for the Council
Ability to communicate clearly, authentically and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders
Able to develop effective working relationships and partnerships and drive consensus in a consistent and courteous way
Ability to identify and respond to emerging opportunities or challenges, adapting approach as required
Awareness of other leading organisations and ability to use this information to benchmark service delivery
Ability to challenge others to innovate and think outside the box
Ability to network and manage/develop positive internal/external relationships with stakeholders
Ability to manage during periods of ambiguity and change
Ability to persuade and influence others, regardless of their stature
Good IT skills including use of Microsoft Office and service-related software
Ability to build effective teams and relationships which are not dependent on hierarchy and line management
Ability to operate sensitively in a political environment
Good financial, commercial and strategic awareness, with excellent analytical skills and a creative approach to problem solving
Ability to “model” appropriate behaviours that encourage a culture of empowerment, initiative and transparency across the Council
Educational Requirements
Educated to degree level or equivalent with a professional qualification or significant experience managing one or more of the postholders areas of responsibility
Why work for us
Our council is full of people who have chosen to work in local government because they want to help others and make a difference to their lives or the environment in which local people live.
To find out more about working and living in Norwich Home | Work in Norwich.
The council has a long and proud history of being a council that is keen to push the boundaries of what a district can achieve, to find out more about what it is like to work in local government visit Working in local government - #LocalGov Careers - Youth Employment UK
We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.
Norwich City Council offers the opportunity to work with great people who are passionate about promoting Norwich and the services the council provides. We also offer good career prospects with competitive rates of pay, generous holidays and working arrangements to suit all lifestyles.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.
Candidates will be considered for shortlisting on the factual information on their application form. Therefore it is important to give as much detail as possible including information about experience gained outside employment.
Benefits
We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package and are proud to have the Living Wage accreditation. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.
* All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum. This is pro rata for part-time employees
* In addition to the statutory public holidays, we grant an additional statutory day leave at Christmas
* Norwich City Council supports its employees through the provision of occupational health and employee assistance support
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