At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining beautiful estates and ensuring top-notch grounds care.
- Company: Join a supportive organisation dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full UK driving licence needed; dynamic role with great career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing leadership skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ3 in Horticulture and experience in supervising teams required.
The predicted salary is between 29362 - 30908 £ per year.
Canterbury based, covering sites in the South East and Kent.
£29,362 - £30,908 per year.
40 hours per week – Monday to Friday – 8am to 4:30pm.
We have an opportunity for a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader to join our Estates Team. As part of a team of 14, you will be working in a team of two with occasional lone working. You will be responsible for carrying out grounds maintenance, cleaning and caretaking. This role is to provide an effective estate maintenance service and supervisory support that meets contract and customer expectations by applying appropriate horticultural practices. This will involve tasks such as but not limited to lawn maintenance (using a range of equipment including ride ons), weed control, bed and hedge maintenance, flytip collection and removal and working at height. This role requires a UK driving licence and willingness to drive large wheelbase vehicles.
The role of Grounds Maintenance Team Leader will include:
- Providing supervisory support in keeping estates well maintained and clean in accordance with appropriate horticultural practices.
- Providing accurate and timely information on progress and advice and ensure accurate daily work records are completed.
- Responding positively to complaints and breakdowns in service delivery to meet customer expectations and escalating complaints as appropriate.
- Ensuring tools and equipment are maintained in good condition and continue to be suitable for required tasks.
- Using equipment and materials in a safe manner as instructed.
- Carrying out all hazardous tasks such as spraying, in accordance with supplier guidelines and in a safe manner, ensuring relevant records are maintained to comply with health and safety and legal requirements.
Skills and experiences:
- NVQ3 or equivalent in Horticulture or similar discipline.
- Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 (or equivalent).
- Some practical experience of operating machinery and recent experience of undertaking a similar role.
- Some experience in supervising others.
- Some experience interpreting written instruction and maintaining simple written records.
This role will involve driving on company business. In order to drive a company vehicle, drivers must hold a full valid UK driving licence.
Our Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary.
- Life Assurance.
- Employee Advice Service including counselling.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Voluntary health plans.
- Employee discounts.
- Wellbeing support and tools.
- Employee recognition scheme.
- Staff Networks, with a shared interest in inclusion, and who provide invaluable support to colleagues.
£29,362 per annum (rising to £30,908 per annum after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance).
Closing Date: 2 June 2026.
Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.
Grounds Maintenance Team Leader in Canterbury employer: Sanctuary
Sanctuary is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a supportive work culture where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. As a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader based in Canterbury, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and access to various employee benefits, including health plans and recognition schemes, all while contributing to the maintenance of beautiful estates across the South East and Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Team Leader in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission, especially around inclusion and customer service. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, brush up on your horticultural skills and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of equipment and maintenance practices during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Team Leader in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in grounds maintenance and supervisory roles. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your NVQ3 or equivalent in Horticulture and any relevant certifications like the Pesticide Application Certificate. These are key to showing us you’re the right fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and skills shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific practices related to lawn maintenance, weed control, and plant care. Showing that you understand the technical aspects of the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader, you'll need to show that you can supervise and support your team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. This will highlight your ability to manage people and tasks.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe practices when using equipment and handling hazardous materials. This shows that you take safety seriously and are aware of legal requirements.
✨Customer Service Mindset
Since the role involves responding to customer complaints and service delivery issues, think of examples where you've provided excellent customer service. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you handle feedback positively, as this is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction.
