Director of Parks

About us

The Royal Parks (TRP) is a prestigious charity managing over 5,000 acres of historic parkland in eight Royal Parks across London. These are: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, and Bushy Park. We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. They are among the most visited attractions in the UK with over 77 million visits every year.

About the role

We are seeking a new Director of Parks. This is a crucial role with strategic responsibility for the care, protection, and enhancement of the listed landscapes of the parks, which contain high horticulture, rare biodiverse habitats, veteran trees, and significant bodies of water. You will be part of the organisation’s Senior Management Team working with colleagues to support a wide range of activities in the parks including events, ceremonial activities, sporting provision, and transport management.

The Royal Parks are amongst the finest historic landscapes in the world, with sustainable management at their heart. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operational management of our parks, you will help deliver our exciting new five-year strategy including a major restoration of Greenwich Park and the creation of a new public garden in Regent’s Park. It is vital that the Director of Parks continues to lead their team in responding to the challenges facing the parks as a result of climate change and biodiversity loss, whilst supporting the landscapes to accommodate increasing visitor numbers.

About you

The Director of Parks must be a highly experienced environmental manager who has a strong track record in overseeing operational landscape maintenance delivery, and project and programme delivery. The ideal candidate will have a background in parks/estate management with an understanding and experience in managing complex landscapes.

You should be a strategic leader who is future-focused with the ability to inspire action and lead with vision. You will have excellent communication and listening skills and be a strong team player who demonstrates energy and passion for the parks, empowering your team to deliver the highest standards of horticulture, environmental management, and conservation. You will need to be confident in representing the parks at an Executive level, at the Board of Trustees, and with key external groups.

The Royal Parks is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of personal characteristics or background. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, LGBT+, and black, Asian, minority ethnic backgrounds in keeping with TRP’s strategic plan and workforce diversity policies.

How to apply

We are working on this role with our recruitment partners at Perrett Laver. If you are motivated to help us achieve our vision, you can apply or download further details, including the job description and person specification, at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/3601/director_of_parks/ quoting reference 6599. The closing date for applications is 5th June 2023.