Job Description

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Job details

Posted 02 September 2025
Salary 30,000 - 40,000
LocationMilton Keynes
Job type Permanent, Full Time
DisciplineLandscaping
Reference033335

BACKGROUND





Glendale Managed Services, the 'green services' division of Alston Investments Ltd, has revenues of circa 50 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.





THE 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.





Key responsibilities of the role are:


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.





The Conditions







TITLE


Play and Project Manager


REPORTING TO


Contract manager


GRADE


Manager


REMUNERATION





PENSION


Nest auto enrolment after 3 months


HOLIDAYS


22 days


24 days after 5 years service







25 days after 10 years service


NOTICE PERIOD


1 Month





Benefits:





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