Job Introduction
Your new role:
We’re looking for a proactive Neighbourhood Operations Manager to lead frontline services and ensure excellent day‑to‑day delivery across our communities. This is an on‑site role, working closely with teams to maintain high standards and provide visible, hands‑on leadership. To ensure consistent service coverage, you’ll work as part of a local management team operating across our core hours (7:30am–5:00pm Mon–Thu, 7:30am–4:00pm Fri) using a simple shift‑style system. Early and standard shifts are shared among managers and supervisors, ensuring strong leadership presence throughout the working day. Neighbourhood Operations Managers are expected to work from the office as standard, with remote working only allowed in exceptional circumstances agreed in advance. You must be able to work at any site as required.
The Neighbourhood Operations Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of Neighbourhood Services for Housing, Neighbourhood and Building Services sites, and additional PCC sites managed under 'service level agreements'. Neighbourhood Services comprises of all cleaning and grounds maintenance tasks, estate-based functions, and investigations such as fly tips and routine checks. The management of this significant logistical operation makes this a challenging role, influenced by the large number of personnel and sites responsible for, fleet management, equipment to be used by the service as well as servicing and repairs of that equipment, and staff related matters - to meet the shared purpose of:
'Helping to keep the city (local area) safe, clean, and tidy, and provide advice / support when necessary'.
For all details of what this role will involve please see the full job profile attached at the bottom of this page!
Who is the person?
You need to:
- Be an excellent communicator, who has the ability to listen and talk to a range of people from cleaning operatives to Councillors.
- Have had some experience in a management role, with experience of managing people, sickness absence, knowledge of HR Policies an advantage.
- Have an understanding of systems thinking methodology and experience of using the method and experience of using this to develop a service or staff.
- Have good IT skills and experience of using databases and spreadsheets, particularly to manipulate/analyse data.
- Be able to plan, organise and prioritise work, as you will be juggling many tasks at once.
- Be confident and comfortable to make decisions on your own without referring to line management.
- A working knowledge or understanding of Health and Safety and Waste Management legislation would be an advantage
- Be willing to travel around your allotted area and to attend out of hours meetings.
- Have some experience of managing budgets as you will be responsible and accountable for your team's budget.
- Have full UK driving licence to travel across housing areas.
- Have the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role informally please contact Philip Bentley (Head of Neighbourhood Services) on 02392 606551.
Assessments: 7th April 2026
Interviews: 9th April 2026
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
