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
Senior Contract Manager
Location: Leeds
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
What you’ll do:
Lead the turnaround and growth of Ground Control’s Sweeping Division, strengthening performance, culture, and customer outcomes while delivering year ‑on ‑year operating profit growth. Embed rigorous HSQE and environmental compliance, enhance operational discipline, and expand services where sensible (e.g., drainage/CCTV), with a focus on resilient leadership for a team that has experienced significant change.
Key Responsibilities:
* Drive Growth & Strategy
Create and deliver a divisional growth plan covering market segments, key accounts, service expansion, and pricing. Lead tenders and bids, using a structured gateway process to manage risk and improve win rates.
* Own Commercial Performance
Manage budgets, forecasts, WIP, cashflow, and invoice readiness. Maintain strong financial discipline across timesheets, POs, and cost control, tackling key drivers such as disposal costs, routing efficiency, fleet downtime, and subcontractor rates.
* Lead HSQE & Compliance
Set and uphold HSQE and environmental standards. Run audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations, ensuring full compliance with testing, classification, and waste documentation requirements.
* Deliver Operational Excellence
Oversee planning, scheduling, vehicle routing, and subcontractor coordination to protect SLAs and on-time delivery. Use digital tools to enable live tracking, reporting, and financial visibility.
* Build Strong Client & Team Relationships
Lead client relationships and service reviews, ensuring timely, accurate reporting. Line-manage managers and field teams, driving performance, capability, and morale through clear leadership and consistent communication.
What we’re looking for:
Essential Knowledge and Skills:
* Senior operations/contract management in highways/waste/sweeping/drainage or related infrastructure services
* Strong P&L ownership, forecasting, margin protection, and WIP/cash control.
* Environmental compliance knowledge (WAC, LOI, WM3) and duty of care; practical experience overseeing testing/classification
* Fleet/vehicle routing, depot logistics, subcontractor management, and digital planning/reporting tools.
* Track record of leading teams through change with measurable performance improvement.
Desirable Knowledge and Skills:
* Experience mobilising/managing CCTV drainage investigation services and associated H&S readiness.
* WAMITAB, NEBOSH Environmental, SMSTS/SSSTS; CSCS, First Aid, transport compliance certificates.
* Tendering/Bid support exposure and public ‑sector/local authority delivery experience.
Why join us:
Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.
Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.
Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.
Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:
23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays
Yearly bonus scheme & Share options
Robust pension scheme
Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
Free or subsidised national gym memberships
Employee Recognition Scheme
2 personal choice volunteering days
Ground Control
Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.
We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.
If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.
#INDHP
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.