Witney Town Council is the local parish council in Witney, Oxfordshire. We are a friendly, diverse, and inclusive team, working for the good of the residents and businesses in the town.
Our work environment includes:
- Supportive
- On-the-job training
- Safe work environment
Current Vacancies
Job Description:
Operations Manager
Salary: SCP 24–28 | £35,412 – £39,152 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (flexibility required)
Location: Office based in Witney Town Hall, Market Square, with regular travel to Council sites as part of the role. Transport will be provided for work-related travel only.
Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Witney Town Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead and continuously improve the delivery of high-quality operational services across the town.
This is a key management role with responsibility for the Council’s grounds, open spaces, play areas, sports facilities, cemeteries, buildings and wider estate. You will ensure services are delivered efficiently, safely and professionally, in line with statutory requirements and council standards, while leading and developing a dedicated operational workforce.
Reporting to the Head of Estates and Operations, you will play a vital role in maintaining Witney as an attractive, safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage day-to-day operations across recreational grounds, play areas, sports pitches, cemeteries, council buildings and estates
- Manage and motivate operational teams, including performance management, training and wellbeing
- Develop and oversee planned, cyclical, seasonal and reactive maintenance programmes
- Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, including PUWER and LOLER
- Manage operational budgets, procurement and contractor performance
- Oversee building maintenance, inspections and records
- Support civic occasions and public events, including evenings and weekends as required
- Take operational responsibility for cemetery services, ensuring dignity, compliance and sensitivity
- Respond to emergencies, adverse weather and out-of-hours call-outs
- Maintain accurate asset, training and operational records
- Contribute to service improvement, innovation and strategic planning
About You
You will be an experienced operational manager with strong leadership skills and a practical understanding of grounds, estates or similar frontline services. You will be confident managing people, resources and budgets, and committed to delivering high standards of service and safety.
Essential requirements include:
- Proven management experience in a relevant operational environment
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation
- Experience of workforce planning, scheduling and resource allocation
- Practical knowledge of grounds maintenance equipment, plant and machinery
- Experience managing budgets and contractors
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
- Full UK driving licence
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends and respond to out of hours emergencies
Desirable:
- Experience within a local authority
- Knowledge of burial legislation and bereavement services
- Relevant professional memberships or qualifications (e.g. IOSH, NEBOSH, ICCM)
What We Offer
- Competitive local government salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 24 days annual leave rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays and a Christmas closure day
- Support for training and professional development
- A varied, rewarding role making a visible difference to the local community
How to Apply – CVs alone will not be accept, Witney Town Council requires the completion of an Application Form which can be downloaded from its website www.witney-tc.gov.uk or available on request
Closing date: 12 noon on Thursday 12 February 2026
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Mark Lewis, Head of Operations & Estates on (01993) 704379.
Pre-employment checks apply, including references and DBS clearance.
Witney Town Council is committed to equality, dignity at work and creating a positive, inclusive working environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
Operations Manager Job Desciption January 2026
Operations Manager Application-Form
MAINTENANCE & GROUNDS OPERATIVE
Permanent | Full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: SCP 9–12 (£27,254 – £28,598 per annum)
Location: West Witney Sports Ground Depot
Witney Town Council is seeking an experienced and versatile Maintenance & Grounds Operative to join its Operations team. This is a hands-on role for someone with all-round practical skills who enjoys working outdoors and can work effectively with minimal supervision.
If you can “turn your hand to anything”, take pride in your work, and want to help maintain and improve the town’s public spaces, facilities, and cemeteries, we would like to hear from you.
CVs alone will not be accepted.
Applicants invited to interview will be required to bring their full driving licence and proof of right to work.
Closing date for applications:
12 noon on 28 January 2026
Witney Town Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.