Chief Executive

The Parks Trust is a self–financing charity that owns and manages approximately 6,000 acres of parks, lakes, woodlands and roadside landscapes in Milton Keynes.

With an annual turnover of circa GBP10m, around 75 permanent staff, 100 casual staff and 200 volunteers, the Trust exists to provide beautiful and inspirational parks, lakes and landscapes that will be loved by the people of Milton Keynes forever.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an entrepreneurial and visionary individual to lead a highly respected, unique and financially successful organisation that provides inspirational stewardship of public open space in Milton Keynes.

Working with a talented and committed Board of Trustees and staff team, the newly appointed Chief Executive will build on the impressive achievements to date – managing the parks and green spaces to a high standard, improving facilities for visitors, enhancing biodiversity, and engaging the whole community through volunteering, events and innovative environmental education programmes. As the city continues to grow, the Trust will be at the forefront of ensuring new high–quality green infrastructure is provided. Importantly, supporting ways to tackle the climate and ecological crisis is going to be high on the agenda.

Generating around GBP1m income from day to day operations as well as managing the Trust 's GBP130m investment portfolio in line with the long–term financial strategy, are key to the success of the Trust. This requires entrepreneurial flair and sound commercial acumen.

Candidates will also need to demonstrate excellent leadership credentials and superb communication and influencing skills, with the ability to talk passionately and sincerely about our parks, lakes, woods and landscapes and the benefits they bring to the city. A track record of working with a wide range of sectors and stakeholders across the public, commercial, charitable sectors and local communities will also be important.

Crucially, you will need high standards of probity and a strong sense of public duty. You will be self–motivated and ambitious, both for yourself and for the Trust. In return this is an opportunity to lead across a range of interesting areas from investment management to biodiversity; from forestry and horticulture to marketing and communications; from outdoor events to outdoor learning; and from commercial property to town planning and urban design.

Deadline for applications: Friday 1st October 2021

For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.