We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours: Benefits we offer Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. Support During the Process Guaranteed Assessment Scheme We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below: When You Join Us We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. What we will need from you if you're successful In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship. Pre-Employment Checks If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for, see the top of the advert for details. These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. Other relevant information We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
Contract Type: 1 x Full-Time Permanent, 1 Full-time Temporary (12 Months)
Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance
Closing Date: 13 April 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
This role is subject to -
Please indicate in your personal statement whether you wish to be considered for the permanent role, the temporary role, or both.
Manchester boasts over 140 parks and open spaces, 43 allotment sites and three river valleys, making this a unique and rewarding environment in which to work. You will help activate these spaces through strong local relationships and by empowering volunteers and Friends groups to contribute to the vibrancy of their parks. This role is perfect for someone passionate about people, place and improving quality of life across neighbourhoods.
The Area Parks Lead is a critical role within the Parks, Leisure and Events Service, directly contributing to how effectively parks are delivered, experienced and improved across the city. You will ensure that facilities, buildings and services meet health and safety and statutory requirements, safeguarding users and protecting valuable public assets.
You will also lead operational delivery in your area—overseeing standards, coordinating daily activity, and ensuring that accurate performance information and reports are produced to support decision‑making. This role forges vital links with communities, Friends groups, internal council teams and partner organisations, helping to challenge and improve how services are delivered while enabling residents to play an active part in their local spaces.
By providing strong resource management, supporting commercial and investment opportunities, and ensuring parks reflect the priorities of the city’s long‑term Parks Strategy, the Area Parks Lead ensures Manchester’s parks continue to be safe, attractive and inspiring places where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.
For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Mitchell McPherson, at 07816 607 898 and mitchell.mcpherson@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.
You will bring excellent communication skills, able to work positively with residents, Friends groups, volunteers and a wide range of council teams and partners. You’ll have the ability to analyse information, plan effectively, solve problems and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced operational setting. Strong organisational skills are essential, along with the capability to coordinate activity, manage resources and motivate others to deliver great services.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, resilient and unafraid to try new approaches to improve the experience of our parks. You’ll understand what quality looks like, be comfortable challenging poor standards, and be able to inspire pride in the environment. A commitment to Manchester’s values—working together, listening, taking ownership and striving for improvement—is key.
If you are passionate about people, proud of place, and excited by the opportunity to make a visible difference in your community, we would love to hear from you.
The experience below would be beneficial but is not essential:
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Ready to apply?
Location
, , Manchester, , United Kingdom
Job ID
7769
