At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the mobilisation of grounds maintenance services and ensure operational readiness.
- Company: Join Amphora, a forward-thinking organisation focused on community services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £500 per day and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with local authorities and enhance your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local service delivery and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in service mobilisation and strong project management skills required.
Colchester, Essex – Full‑Time, Temporary (6–12 Months Contract, up to 5 days per week, £500 per day Umbrella PAYE)
Job Purpose
To lead and deliver the safe, timely, and cost‑effective mobilisation of the Amphora grounds maintenance service, ensuring continuity of service, compliance with statutory obligations, technical standards and readiness for day one operations following insourcing. The postholder will manage all Amphora mobilisation activities and work closely with Colchester City Council's steering group to successfully commence services on 1 Nov 2027. This will cover service design, TUPE, selection and procurement of fleet and plant, kit and equipment, depots, IT systems, staffing, health & safety, volunteer support and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Amphora's mobilisation and service readiness activities.
- Contribute to maintaining a detailed mobilisation plan, programme, and risk register.
- Escalate issues into Amphora and make/obtain strategic and operational decisions on behalf of Amphora.
- Ensure mobilisation milestones are delivered on time and within budget.
- Determine optimum service delivery requirements and procure the associated fleet, plant, kit and equipment in time for go‑live.
- Coordinate dependencies across HR, fleet, IT, procurement, finance, safety and technical operations.
- Support TUPE transfer processes, including due diligence, employee consultation, engagement with trade unions, and work with HR to confirm terms and conditions, structures, training and competency requirements.
- Support induction and onboarding of transferred and new staff.
- Coordinate mobilisation of vehicles, plant and equipment, fuel and maintenance arrangements, ensuring fleet compliance (insurance, MOT, PUWER/LOLER FEPA, Health and Safety regulations where applicable) and depot readiness (access, welfare, storage, security).
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience leading service mobilisation in grounds maintenance, horticultural or other place‑based services.
- Experience of insourcing from an external contractor.
- Knowledge of Teckal/LATCo environments and grounds maintenance horticultural operations.
- Strong understanding of local authority service delivery, TUPE and workforce transitions.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to work at pace under political and public scrutiny.
Mobilisation Manager (Grounds Maintenance) - Amphora Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Amphora Colchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a supportive work culture. With a focus on delivering high-quality grounds maintenance services, employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to lead impactful projects in collaboration with local authorities. Working in Colchester offers a vibrant community atmosphere, making it an ideal location for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobilisation Manager (Grounds Maintenance) - Amphora Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the grounds maintenance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile showcases your experience in service mobilisation and project management. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to get noticed by potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of TUPE processes and local authority service delivery. Be ready to discuss how you can lead the mobilisation activities effectively and ensure compliance with all regulations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re keen and proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Mobilisation Manager (Grounds Maintenance) - Amphora Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in service mobilisation, especially in grounds maintenance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Mobilisation Manager role.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves managing multiple activities and stakeholders, be sure to emphasise your project management experience. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past, especially under tight deadlines.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement:Communication is key! Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders, including local authorities and trade unions. We want to know how you’ve navigated complex relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Mobilisation Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of the mobilisation process in grounds maintenance. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as TUPE processes and service delivery requirements. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Questions
Given the importance of stakeholder management in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you've navigated complex relationships or resolved conflicts, as this will showcase your communication skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Highlight your project management experience by discussing specific projects you've led. Be ready to explain how you maintained timelines, managed budgets, and coordinated across different teams. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your success, as this will provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Local Authority Operations
Brush up on your understanding of local authority service delivery and the unique challenges it presents. Be prepared to discuss how your knowledge of Teckal/LATCo environments can benefit the organisation. This will show that you not only understand the role but also the broader context in which it operates.
