Ground Control is a leading external maintenance business and biodiversity expert committed to enhancing and improving the physical environment for our customers and their communities.
We're a purpose driven, values centred business, on a mission to realise the potential of human nature by bringing together people, places and the planet.
Human Nature - At Its Best
East Area Manager
Location: Ashford and surrounding areas
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent, 40 hours per week
Take ownership. Build lasting relationships. Make a visible impact every day.
You take pride in delivering high standards, building strong client relationships, and running your area efficiently and professionally. That’s exactly what we’re looking for in this role.
We’re seeking a dedicated Area Manager to oversee grounds maintenance operations for two key clients across the Reading area. You’ll be responsible for managing day-to-day delivery, ensuring contracts run smoothly, client expectations are exceeded, and teams are supported to perform at their best.
This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for operational performance, client satisfaction, and service quality across your region.
What you’ll do
In this role, you’ll take ownership of your area and ensure grounds maintenance services are delivered consistently and to a high standard.
* Oversee the delivery of grounds maintenance contracts across your area, ensuring sites meet required standards and procedures
* Carry out regular site audits and quality inspections to maintain service excellence
* Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and meetings
* Lead KPI meetings to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement
* Conduct quality surveys to ensure customer expectations are met and exceeded
* Provide quotes for additional grounds maintenance and tree works, ensuring work is delivered on time and to specification
* Hold monthly meetings to review progress, performance, and improvement plans
* Manage and support teams across your area, building a positive and productive team culture
What you’ll get
* Responsibility for a defined area and key client relationships
* A role where your leadership directly influences service quality and client satisfaction
* The opportunity to manage multiple sites and contracts within a structured operational environment
* Support from the wider operational and management teams
* Development opportunities through hands-on leadership, turnaround work and cross-functional collaboration
* Competitive package including company vehicle, private GP, wellbeing support, bonus scheme, pension, volunteering days and recognition rewards
What we’re looking for
* Proven experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping management, ideally at Contract, Operations, or Area Manager level
* Experience managing client relationships, including attending meetings, handling feedback, and delivering against SLAs and KPIs
* Operational leadership experience managing multiple sites and contracts across a defined area
* Experience preparing and managing quotes for additional works
* Strong understanding of quality control and compliance requirements
* Good working knowledge of Health & Safety regulations, RAMS, and environmental compliance
* Experience conducting performance reviews and driving continuous improvement
* Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise across multiple projects
* A full driving licence and willingness to travel to sites as required
About Ground Control
Ground Control is a certified B Corporation, committed to caring for the environment, our people and the communities we serve. Since 1973, we’ve led the industry through quality, sustainability and a genuine commitment to doing the right thing. Our Contract Managers are trusted, supported and given the autonomy they need to deliver work they can be proud of.
If you’re a Contract Manager who values professionalism, accountability and the ability to make a visible difference every day, we’d love to hear from you.
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Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
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