At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a team of 25-30 grounds maintenance operatives across multiple sites.
- Company: Join a leading company in grounds maintenance with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Earn up to £21.57 per hour, with potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Lead a dynamic team and make a real impact in the landscaping industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract management and strong leadership skills required.
Pay Rate: Up to £21.57 per hour (there may be some leeway for exceptional candidates)
Duration: 4 Months with a good chance of being made permanent if all goes well
Job Role: This role is mainly home based and is a mix of site and home based. The role is to manage a team of 25 to 30 Grounds Maintenance operatives, with work sites mainly consisting of 80+ commercial maintenance sites and some soft landscaping sites.
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven Experience: Significant experience in contract or operational management within the grounds maintenance, landscaping, or a similar commercial service industry in the UK.
- Leadership & Management: Strong leadership and staff management skills, with a demonstrable ability to motivate, develop, and effectively manage multiple operational teams.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, staff at all levels, and suppliers.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with field service or workforce management software (e.g., Re-flow, SmartTask, FieldMotion, or similar) and strong general IT literacy, including the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Industry Knowledge: Comprehensive working knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, tools, equipment, and seasonal requirements.
- Health & Safety: In-depth awareness and practical application of relevant UK Health & Safety legislation and best practices, including vehicle and equipment safety. A NEBOSH or IOSH qualification is highly desirable.
- Organisational Skills: Exceptional organisational and planning abilities, with a keen eye for detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and identify operational efficiencies.
- Driving Licence: A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
- Industry Certifications: Relevant industry certifications (e.g., PA1/PA6, SMSTS, or NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture/Landscaping) are highly preferred.
Please send a CV to apply and to receive a full detailed job spec. Send a CV ASAP to or call Mark Evans on (phone number removed).
Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager in Cambridge employer: PPM Recruitment
As an award-winning Principal Contractor, this company is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration and outstanding client service in the construction industry. Located in Cambridge, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that emphasises safety, quality, and performance, alongside competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on prestigious projects. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on sustainability, this is a rewarding environment for Site Managers looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager in Cambridge
✨Get Hands-On in Local Gardens
Dive into volunteer work at local gardens or community farms. This not only gives you practical experience but also helps you build connections in the horticulture community. You'd be surprised at how many temporary roles pop up through local networks!
✨Visit Local Plant Shows or Horticultural Events
Check out seasonal plant shows or horticultural fairs in your area. These events are fantastic for networking and learning about temporary positions that may not be advertised online. Chat with vendors and attendees — you never know who might know of a gig at places like PPM Recruitment!
✨Tap into the Agriculture Community
Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to horticulture. Engaging in discussions or asking about temp roles can lead to insider tips and opportunities. Plus, it showcases your passion for the field, which is always a bonus!
✨Make Your Intentions Clear on Your CV
In your CV, highlight your availability for temporary positions and any hands-on experience you have. Tailor your approach to companies like PPM Recruitment, making sure they know you're keen and ready to jump in as soon as they need someone. And don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Horticultural Knowledge:Make sure to showcase any relevant horticulture experience you have. Mention specific plants, gardening techniques, or landscaping projects you've worked on. If you have any certificates in horticulture or botany, include those too – they'll definitely catch our eye!
Show You're Flexible and Ready to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know you're adaptable and eager to soak up new experiences. In your cover letter, express your willingness to learn and take on different tasks that may come up. Share any previous temporary roles and what you gained from them!
Include Practical Experience:In horticulture, hands-on experience matters a lot. If you’ve volunteered at a community garden or helped maintain private gardens, mention these gigs! Tailor your CV to include any practical work that demonstrates your skills in plant care, garden layout design, or pest management.
Use Clear, Concise Language:When applying for a temporary role, keep your application straightforward. Avoid jargon and focus on the essential skills you bring to the table. We want to understand your experience quickly, so make every word count. Remember, we love clear communication at PPM Recruitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at PPM Recruitment
✨Get to Grips with Plant Knowledge
In the world of horticulture, having a solid grasp of plant types, care techniques, and pest management is essential. Brush up on your understanding of the plants relevant to PPM Recruitment—it might just impress them if you can chat about local species or seasonal challenges!
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since you’re applying for a temporary role, they’ll want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Be prepared to discuss any hands-on experience you have with gardening tools, techniques, and maintenance tasks. If you've got a portfolio of your gardening projects or any past experiences, don't hesitate to share!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Much of horticulture works in teams, especially during busy seasons. Anticipate questions about your experience working collaboratively. Think of examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in past gardening projects or seasonal work—showing your team spirit is key!
✨Express Your Flexibility and Learning Mindset
Given that this is a temporary position, make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Employers like PPM Recruitment will appreciate your willingness to tackle various tasks, from planting to weeding, and how you can fit in wherever needed!