Job Description**

The Role

The role of a manager can never be defined fully, but in all matters, they must demonstrate leadership and command respect within the business. All decisions must be communicated clearly, both to those responsible to the post holder and to those persons to whom the post holder reports.

The CDM should be prepared to take the initiative and continually improve operational activity and performance.  Candidates require ambition and commitment. This role is critical to the success of the contract and therefore the successful candidate must gain the trust and loyalty of all the stakeholders in the contract.

Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement: Engage with groups and individuals to identify and develop volunteering opportunities. Support new groups with organisational development.

Project Management: Develop and implement/oversee small-medium scale projects, including maintenance and management plans. 

QHSE: Ensure that the Play & Infrastructure & Project Management Service is delivered in line with Glendale’s Health & Safety procedures, and that all necessary risk assessments and method statements are reviewed regularly.

Volunteer Management: Manage volunteer programmes, ensuring safety and providing training. This includes corporate volunteering and community initiatives (e.g., gardening, conservation).

Partnership Building: Build relationships with internal departments, client teams, and external organisations (e.g., charities, community groups, police) to facilitate community work.

Financial Management: Contribute to budget management, identify income-generating activities, and support grant applications.

Stakeholder Management: Act as a key contact for Friends' Groups and other stakeholders. Attend meetings and represent the organisation.

Reporting and Monitoring: Produce regular reports on community activities, track key performance indicators, and contribute to performance management.

Sustainability: Promote sustainable practices in parks and contribute to environmental initiatives (e.g., Green Flag, biodiversity).

Communications and Marketing: Develop and implement marketing initiatives, including social media updates and website content.

Playground and Infrastructure Management

Lead the day-to-day operations of the Play & Infrastructure team (two direct reports). Ensure the team consistently meets contractual obligations for inspection regimes and drives ongoing maintenance and development of playground and infrastructure assets.

The Candidate

Qualifications

A nationally recognised academic qualification to at least NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, for example:

• the National Certificate (BTEC or Ed Excel) ~ NVQ Level 3 ~, or

• the Advanced National Certificate, or

• the National Diploma

• RPII Operational Training Course 

Or equivalent experience in the parks management/grounds maintenance sector.

A full, clean driving license is an essential requirement for this role. Experience or the willingness to learn how to tow trailers would be advantageous.

Skills and competencies

The successful candidate should have a track record in the supervision of community, environmental, or public-facing projects in a small/medium-sized enterprise, preferably in the land-management sector. The candidate should have a background or experience that shows evidence of the successful creation of strong customer care and planning service delivery through teams, co-operation and innovation.

Specific skills including;

• Good organisational and planning skills

• Good, IT (Google Workspace) and written skills and the ability to produce professional reports and documents

• A track record in successfully mentoring and supporting community groups

• A track record in interfacing and influencing with articulate, professional residents, senior Council officers and Elected Members

• Evidence of successfully achieving community-focused objectives and KPIs

• An excellent understanding of health and safety management in relation to volunteer management

• Experience of negotiation and dispute resolution

Personal Qualities

Among the personal characteristics sought will be:

• A completer/finisher with excellent attention to detail.

• The credibility derived from a professional attitude, work ethic and commitment, which will gain acceptance from peers, clients, customers and staff.

• A person with flexibility in style and thinking with an open, approachable personality.

• Strong relationship-building skills coupled with excellent communication skills to deal sympathetically and with empathy in all public interface situations. 

• An enthusiastic and motivated approach.

• Good presentation skills.

• Currently, or committed to, living within 45 minutes of Kingston on employment.

The Conditions 

TITLE

Community Development Manager

REPORTING TO

Contract Manager

GRADE

Junior Manager

REMUNERATION

£37,500

PENSION

Nest auto-enrolment after 3 months

HOLIDAYS

22 days

24 days after 5 years service

25 days after 10 years service

NOTICE PERIOD

In the first 12 months, 1 month's notice. After 12 months of service, 2 months' notice

Benefits 

• Employee discount portal - discounts on travel booking, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure  activities and your day to day spending

• Company sick pay

• Career progression

• Training and development