At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and oversee grounds maintenance for public spaces across the Midlands.
- Company: Join Meadfleet, a leading open space management company with over 320 developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, a company car, private medical cover, and a 10% pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while developing your management skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Horticulture, Ecology, or Conservation, or relevant experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to step up from hands-on roles into management.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 27700 £ per year.
Meadfleet are a land-owning quality open space Management Company with a growing diverse portfolio of over 320 housing developments throughout England and Wales. We're looking for a Contract Manager to oversee the management and sub-contracted maintenance of public open spaces across the midlands - between Aylesbury, Banbury, Northampton, Burton upon Trent, Leicester and Kettering.
Who we're looking for:
- Hold a degree in one of the following fields: Horticulture, Ecology, or Conservation; or experience in a similar role; or 3 years' working at the operative/supervisory level of grounds maintenance.
- Ability to prioritise, problem solve and manage both short-term and long-term aspirations for a given development.
- Have a desire to manage the delivery of consistent high-quality grounds maintenance.
- Be an effective communicator.
- Have excellent organisational skills.
- Have a good understanding and use of IT.
- A full, clean driving licence.
- Ecological and Horticultural credentials or a keen interest would be desirable.
What you will get:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- 10% Non-contributory pension scheme
- Death in service insurance and private medical cover
- Company car
- Laptop, iPad, and iPhone
The Role:
The Contract Manager will oversee the management and sub-contracted maintenance of public open spaces on allocated developments throughout between Aylesbury, Banbury, Burton upon Trent, Leicester and Kettering. This is an ideal step up from an experienced Grounds Maintenance Operative/Supervisor looking to take a managerial position off the tools, or an experienced Contract Manager with a keen eye on horticulture.
Key Tasks:
- Liaising with sub-contractors daily and ensuring conformity with their contract.
- Conducting regular development inspections and reporting on our bespoke inspection app (tablet based) ensuring quality and Health and Safety requirements are met.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with your sub-contractors including educating and enhancing their skills.
- Producing monthly reports to the Operations Manager for your region.
- Inspecting playground equipment (training provided) and arranging necessary repairs.
- Liaising with residents and responding to their queries delivering excellent customer service.
- Following Meadfleet best practice guidelines.
- Be self-motivated, and identify opportunities for amenity and biodiversity improvements.
This position requires a satisfactory basic DBS check and driving licence check.
If you've previously thrived as a Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, Landscape Contracts Manager, Soft-Landscaping Supervisor, Estates or Parks Manager, Green-Spaces Team Leader, Arboriculture or Ecology Officer, Facilities Grounds Manager or similar, then we want to hear from you.
Contact Detail:
Meadfleet Open Space Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific areas of Northampton and the surrounding regions mentioned in the job description. Understanding local flora, fauna, and community needs will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the grounds maintenance and ecological sectors. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with others in the industry, which could lead to valuable insights or recommendations for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully overseen maintenance operations or improved service delivery in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing questions for the interview that reflect your interest in the company's goals, such as their sustainability initiatives. This demonstrates your alignment with their values and your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in grounds maintenance, management, and any qualifications in horticulture, ecology, or conservation. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for grounds maintenance and your ability to manage teams effectively. Mention specific examples of how you've improved service quality or managed projects in the past.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to liaise with sub-contractors and residents. This could include previous experiences where you resolved issues or built strong relationships.
Showcase IT Proficiency: Mention your familiarity with any relevant software or tools, especially if you have experience with tablet-based inspection apps or reporting systems. This will show that you're prepared for the technical aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meadfleet Open Space Management
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Make sure to highlight your background in horticulture, ecology, or conservation during the interview. Discuss specific projects or roles where you managed grounds maintenance, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Contract Manager position.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively prioritised tasks and solved problems in previous roles. This is crucial for managing both short-term and long-term aspirations for developments, so be ready to share your thought process.
✨Communicate Effectively
As an effective communicator, you’ll need to build strong relationships with sub-contractors and residents. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and consider how you can convey complex information simply and effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Tools
Since the role involves using a bespoke inspection app, brush up on your IT skills before the interview. Being comfortable with technology will show that you are prepared to handle the reporting and inspection aspects of the job.