Folkestone & Hythe District Council Vacancies

Town Centre Manager (Fixed term for 18 months)

2026-05-15T14:31:00+01:00

Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and stay.

You will be at the heart of the regeneration and uplift of Folkestone town centre and the surrounding area. With the planned completion of major town centre upgrades and the opening of the new Bouverie Square due next year, you will have a fantastic upcoming platform to drive this work forward. This role offers a unique opportunity to prepare for these landmarks, leveraging the existing success of the award-winning Harbour Arm and Creative Quarter to ensure the town is ready to thrive.

Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a real focus on supporting career development, wellbeing and family friendly initiatives, and a hybrid agile working culture that enables flexible and remote/home working.

You can also expect an excellent benefits package that includes corporate membership, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.

The role

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking a proactive and high-energy Town Centre Manager to lead the transformation of our town centre into a premier, high-impact destination.

Acting as the strategic and operational lead for the Town Centre Operating Model (TCOM), you will be the Council’s ‘on the ground’ link, bridging the gap between local businesses, market operators and event organisers. This is a pivotal role focused on increasing footfall, enhancing economic vitality and ensuring the town centre is a safe and vibrant place for all.

Key responsibilities include:

Developing and managing a 6-to-12-month programme of high-quality markets, seasonal festivals and regular events.
Identifying investment opportunities and infrastructure projects that enhance the town’s appeal to residents and visitors.
Proactively securing external funding, partnerships, and sponsorships.
Acting as the primary contact for Market Operators and businesses, ensuring all activity complies with Health & Safety, Licensing, and Trading Standards.
Leveraging data-driven insights to secure investment from larger businesses and commercial partners.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and personable professional who thrives in a visible, public-facing environment. You must be comfortable working independently, solving complex political or interpersonal issues and maintaining a calm, tactful approach under pressure.

As this role requires a high-visibility presence, you should be happy to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Key Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

At least 2 years of recent experience in Event Management, Town Centre Management or Economic Development.
Proven understanding of statutory legislation including Health and Safety, Licensing and Trading Standards.
Excellent written and oral communication skills for drafting complex business cases and managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and ideally familiar with creative software like Canva or Adobe Express.

Candidates should demonstrate flexibility regarding working hours, including weekend availability. Please note that scheduling requirements will fluctuate seasonally, with peak demand during the summer and Christmas periods and reduced requirements during shoulder months.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact: Lorraine Smith, Regeneration Programme Manager (Monday - Wednesday) on 07974 745971 or alternatively Jade Smyth, Regeration Officer (Tuesday - Friday) on 07841 801050.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 9.00am on Friday 5^th June 2026.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 16^th June 2026.

Stock Condition Surveyor

2026-05-08T14:33:00+01:00

Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit.

Based in our offices in the heart of Folkestone, you’ll have easy access to transport links including HS1, Folkestone’s regenerated town centre, the seafront and old town creative quarter, and our extraordinary and vibrant landscapes and communities.

The role

We are seeking a Stock Condition Surveyor to join our team based in Folkestone & Hythe. The role falls within our Housing Asset department who are responsible for delivering high quality and cost-effective planned works, repairs, compliance and decarbonisation improvements to our housing stock.

We aim to achieve outstanding results for our customers, working in an open and transparent way, creating strong partnerships with our customers and providing first-class customer service.

As a Stock Condition Surveyor, you will be responsible for delivering quality surveying and capital investment services that respond to customer, organisational and financial needs within regulatory requirements.

The post holder is required to undertake surveys and produce reports, relating to the condition of the stock, that will help inform strategic decisions. In addition is required to assess and ascertain the age and lifetime of key building components (e.g. roof, windows, kitchens and bathrooms) and assess the property condition, safety and energy performance.

About You

A surveying or built environment qualification is essential for this role, including knowledge and experience of construction methods and defects, undertaking buildings inspections and the ability to produce reports to inform our asset database and capital programme.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Nicola Phipps (Assets and Major Manager) to arrange a convenient time at: nicola.phipps@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 9am on Friday 5^th June 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 17^th June 2026.

Procurement Manager

2026-04-27T15:25:00+01:00

Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Procurement Manager to lead and shape our corporate procurement and contract management function at a time of significant opportunity and change, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation.

This is a pivotal senior role, providing strategic and professional leadership across the Council to ensure that procurement activity delivers best value, strengthens governance and risk management, and supports our corporate priorities.

You will act as the Council’s lead procurement professional, influencing at senior levels, working across diverse service areas, and ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Contract Standing Orders and Financial Procedure Rules.

Join an organisation where procurement plays a vital strategic role and your work makes a real difference to the local community.

Key responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the Council’s procurement and contract management framework
· Develop, implement and maintain the Procurement Strategy and Contract Standing Orders
· Advise senior officers on procurement compliance, risk and waivers
· Lead medium to high‑value and high‑risk corporate procurements
· Manage and develop the procurement team
· Embed social value, innovation and SME / VCSE engagement
· Maintain contract registers and transparency reporting
· Deliver procurement training and support across the organisation

About you:

· MCIPS qualified or significant progress towards CIPS Level 6
· Extensive experience in a senior procurement role
· Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023
· Proven experience leading complex procurements and contract management
· Excellent stakeholder engagement, leadership and communication skills
· Strategic, analytical and commercially focused approach
· Local government experience and management qualifications are desirable but not essential

Why Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council?

· We offer a comprehensive, people-focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work life balance.
· Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements.
· Generous annual leave: up to 31 days + bank holidays, plus birthday leave and Christmas office closure.
· Flexi-time scheme to support work-life balance.
· Local Government Pension Scheme
· Health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
· Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions
· Salary sacrifice schemes: Cycle to work and lease car options.
· Corporate discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, days out and more.
· Great location: centrally based, close to transport links and free office parking.

Advert Closing Date: Sunday 31st May 2026 at 11:59pm

Interviews are scheduled to take place in the week commencing 8th June 2026.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jonathan Smith - Chief Officer, Financial Services (Deputy s151). Email: Jonathan.Smith@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Technical Officer - Corporate Estate & Development (Internal Only)

2026-04-27T12:14:00+01:00

An opportunity has arisen to join the council’s Corporate Estate & Development team which manages the property service delivery of the corporate (i.e. non-housing) portfolio, housing development and strategic regeneration projects. The portfolio includes a wide variety of real estate including the Civic Centre, Folca, Connect 38 and Mountfield Road Industrial Estate as well as more unique assets such as beach huts, football clubs, country parks, play areas and the proposed Otterpool Park Garden Town. Current projects include the acquisition of housing for the HRA and temporary accommodation, renewal of the Coastal Park and Seabrook play areas, delivery of housing at Ship Street a former gasworks and Woodland Cottages, plus the proposed refurbishment of Hythe Pool.

The role

You will be working as a Corporate Estate & Development Technical Officer, providing technical, business, and financial support to the entire team on a wide range of duties and projects. No day is ever the same but with your practical ability and flexible, can-do attitude you will be able to step up to help the entire team be a guardian of the estate, facilitating effective management of the property portfolio and supporting delivery of key council projects.

There will be a particular focus on data management including provision of information, reports and advice on the management and performance of the council’s assets. The postholder will lead on maintaining data integrity, supporting business operation and enhancing project delivery as well as project management support. This means you will need to have a keen eye for detail, strong organisational skills, and be happy to communicate with different teams and stakeholders to ensure that data-driven decisions are accurate and timely.

Acting as a pivotal point of contact for the whole team, you will provide property and project support dealing with a wide range of queries and providing advice to various stakeholders within and outside of the organisation. You will need to be able to respond flexibly to reactive requests to undertake site and property inspections as required and ensure compliance with regulations.

About You

The key qualifications, skills and experience required for this role:

Qualification in Property, Business Administration, Data Management or Finance, or relevant extended experience
Proven experience in business/technical/finance support roles
Understanding of data management principles and practices
Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills
Project management experience is desirable.

Please see the attached full job description and person specification for further details. We would welcome applications from candidates who have relevant transferable skills and are interested in developing into this role. The postholder will have the opportunity to develop on a professional basis subject to experience.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Lucy Vidler (Development Project Manager) at lucy.vidler@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or 01303 853443. Alternatively, please contact Helen Hensel (Estates & Assets Manager) at helen.hensel@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk or 01303 853483.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 12 noon on Monday 18^th May 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 1^st June 2026.

Grounds Maintenance Seasonal Roles

2026-03-05T11:16:00+00:00

Join Us This Season and Help Keep Our District Beautiful!

Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can work outdoors, make a visible difference, and be part of a team that takes pride in caring for our stunning local environment? We’re recruiting enthusiastic Seasonal Workers to help maintain and enhance our district’s parks, open spaces, and community areas throughout the busy months. If you enjoy hands-on work, fresh air, and contributing to spaces the whole community can enjoy, we’d love to hear from you.

Please find below the links to specific adverts on HRGO recruitment website:

Seasonal Park Keeper: Find a job in the UK | HRGO Recruitment

Seasonal Gardener: Find a job in the UK | HRGO Recruitment

Lifeguard (Leisure Attendant)

2026-02-26T10:59:00+00:00

Are you calm under pressure, confident in the water, and passionate about delivering excellent customer service? If so, Hythe Swimming Pool would love to welcome you to our team!

We’re looking for experienced Lifeguards to help ensure our swimmers stay safe whilst keeping our facilities running smoothly.

To be considered, you must hold the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and have the ability to work a range of shifts on a rolling rota.

These are permanent roles available at either 18.5 hours (part-time) or 37 hours (full-time) per week. These positions are not suitable for those seeking casual/zero‑hour arrangements or those currently in full‑time education.

Why Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council?

Our benefits package reflects our commitment to helping colleagues thrive both professionally and personally and includes:

Corporate membership
A wide range of discount and salary sacrifice schemes
Up to 31 days’ annual leave
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
A uniform allowance for this role

If you would like more information about this exciting opportunity, please contact:
Sharon Punter (Hythe Pool Manager)
01303 269177
sharon.punter@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The closing date is 13 April 2026 at 23:59, but we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.