We are seeking a highly accomplished Director of Estates and Recreation to provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time in our organisations journey. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team, this role offers a unique opportunity to maximise synergies across the Council by driving effective, cross departmental collaboration in support of our Corporate and Community Plans. What we offer Salary from £95,495 19% employer pension contribution Generous annual leave Flexible working arrangements If you are a strategic leader with the experience, ambition. and commitment to make a meaningful impact, apply now and help shape the future of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. JOB TITLE : Director of Estates & Recreation SALARY: JNC for Chief Officers Pay Scales (SCP13-16) £95,495-£101,255 DEPARTMENT: Estates and Recreation RESPONSIBLE TO : Chief Executive LOCATION OF POST: The post-holders normal place of work will be between Antrim Civic Centre, 50 Stiles Way, Antrim, BT41 2UB, and Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA, or any Council location as reasonably directed. This role may also involve travel to other locations to fulfil the duties. NORMAL WORKING WEEK: 37-hours, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm The post-holder will be required to attend Council and Committee meetings as required. The nature of this post is such that unsocial hours working will be required at times. This may be in addition to the normal working week. OTHER CONDITIONS: Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form or transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB Maximise the synergies, benefits and outcomes in relation to the Corporate and Community Plans through effective corporate cross departmental/service co-operation and collaboration. In the context of Councils Corporate Plan, provide effective leadership as part of the Corporate Leadership Team by: 1. Ensuring the strategic management and development of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as a customer and performance focused organisation supported by the effective use of Council resources and developing and co-ordinating strategies to deliver the Community and Corporate Plans. 2. Advising and guiding the Chief Executive and the Council on the formation, development and application of policy and strategic decisions relating to the Directorate and in particular services and facilities. 3. Managing, motivating, developing and empowering all departmental employees, leading them to achieve strategic and operational objectives. 4. Providing leadership and direction on corporate issues particularly in relation to the Directorate and as a member of the CLT. 5. Identifying, monitoring and analysing trends in social policy and the wider environment, anticipating opportunities and implications for Council in the delivery of its vision to the community. 6. In recognition of the Councils civic and community leadership role, influencing and scrutinising social and wider public policies which impact on the quality of life of residents of the Council area. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES : 7. Carry out any duties as and when required by the Chief Executive. 8. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Corporate and Community Plans for the Council, engaging key stakeholders, including Elected Members, customers, staff and other agencies. 9. Be an effective member of the CLT, assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Councils corporate and community planning process to achieve the corporate vision. 10. Through effective leadership, develop, manage, monitor and review departmental strategies and business plans to achieve excellence in delivery and performance to meet the corporate objectives and strategic vision of the Council. 11. Drive service improvement and develop robust and transparent strategies that deliver corporate priorities, managing the Directorates human, physical and financial resources to ensure maximum utilisation, efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service. 12. Develop a culture where innovation and change are mainstreamed and the management of relationships and delivery of services take account of the political environment, enhanced customer expectations, the Governments modernising agenda and technological advances. 13. Lead and direct services, establishing appropriate priorities and synergies within the competing demands of a highly diverse and multi-functional organisation. 14. Develop effective working across the service portfolio and other departments, within corporate projects, initiatives and partnerships in order to meet customers needs, deliver corporate strategies and achieve local objectives. 15. Develop and maintain a high-performance management culture in the Directorate including the establishment, monitoring and achievement of objectives linked to the Corporate and Community Plans. 16. Provide strategic professional advice for Committees and Sub Committees, advising on policy, strategic, legal and service issues and the public service agenda. 17. Prepare strategic reports on the key recommendations required to achieve the corporate objectives, whilst balancing political aspirations, customer expectations and resources. 18. Establish effective partnerships and networks with appropriate public, private and voluntary sector bodies at a senior level, enhancing Councils role as enabler, facilitator and co-ordinator of Community Planning and development within the Borough. 19. Manage partnerships/relationships with Elected Members, private, public and community partners to further the Councils vision for the community. 20. Ensure the identification and pursuit of potential funding sources to assist with the various initiatives, projects and plans in line with the Corporate and Community Plan. 21. Represent the Council at external events and functions and on relevant bodies. 22. Lead or serve on public sector/local government work groups as appropriate. 23. Ensure the implementation of a full, effective and robust Corporate Governance framework, including Risk Management, Safeguarding, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Plans. 24. Lead the Directorate in developing an environment which is supportive, fair and open, encouraging capacity building for all employees to meet required performance standards and embed a culture where Councils values are mainstreamed into service delivery. 25. Be an ambassador for the Council, in the wider public, private and community sectors, locally, regionally and nationally EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL A relevant Degree, or equivalent third level qualification. DESIRABLE Relevant postgraduate or professional qualifications/memberships. EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL *Senior management level is defined as working at or reporting directly to an individual at Tier 2 level or equivalent (e.g. working as or reporting to a Director). This includes advising the Chief Executive/Board/Council on or making decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the organisation. At least 4 years Senior Management* within a complex, multi-disciplinary organisation employing not less than 200 employees and with an annual budget of at least £10 million, in all for the following areas 1. Leading the formulation and delivery of a successful strategic plan or strategy resulting in measurable performance improvement of front-line service areas demonstrating the achievement of outcomes. 2. Leading the effective development of a diverse range of staff under your management control, resulting in measurable performance improvement. 3. Leading transformational, cultural or organisational change in a complex environment, demonstrating innovation, improved effectiveness and efficiency. 4. Leading effective collaborative work with a broad range of partners and stakeholders resulting in measurable positive outcomes. 5. Personal responsibility and accountability for significant budgets in a complex environment, demonstrating both value for money and measurable improvements DESIRABLE *Senior management level is defined as working at or reporting directly to an individual at Tier 2 level or equivalent (e.g. working as or reporting to a Director). This includes advising the Chief Executive/Board/Council on or making decisions affecting strategic issues concerning the organisation. Evidence of experience at a senior management level* in one of the following functional areas: Leisure Services Oversight of Leisure Services functions and delivery of leisure strategy. Parks Services Oversight of Park Services functions and delivery of park strategy. KNOWLEDGE DESIRABLE A working knowledge of the legislative framework of local government in Northern Ireland The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 27 February 2026, and no late applications will be accepted OTHER Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full. Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including attendance at evening meetings and provide emergency out-of-hours support, as required For further details and view application pack please click APPLY to be directed to our website. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 27 February 2026, and no late applications will be accepted Skills: Senior Management Director Leadership Strategic Planning