Senior Grounds Supervisor
Maximise your chances of a successful application to this job by ensuring your CV and skills are a good match.
Help shape the future of the University estate.
The Grounds Maintenance Team within Workplace Services is growing, following the successful in - sourcing of a significant amount of grounds work previously delivered by external contractors. We are now looking for a proactive and motivated Senior Grounds Supervisor to join our expanding team and play a key role in enhancing and caring for our diverse outdoor spaces.
This is a newly created position designed to support the continued development of the service. You will take responsibility for the day - to - day management of four mobile teams, made up of 11 colleagues, working collaboratively to deliver high - quality standards across the Universitys estate.
The Role
In this varied and hands - on role, you will:
- Support the daily planning and activities of the Grounds Maintenance Team, including allocating tasks, monitoring quality and output, providing informal feedback, and helping to introduce new processes and procedures.
- Contribute to decision - making and the development of environmental, sustainability and biodiversity policies, ensuring effective management of gardens and grounds across the University.
- Assist with recruitment, induction and training of new and temporary Grounds staff, including involvement in staff reviews, development processes, welfare issues and performance management where required.
- Support preparation for the forthcoming seasons, including sourcing plants, materials and equipment, and helping to maintain records such as chemical usage, materials, tools and equipment registers.
- Act as a practical supervisor, working alongside your teams across a range of sites to consistently deliver a high standard of work.
- Help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and codes of practice, carrying out risk assessments when circumstances change and reporting hazards or incidents.
- Work on site MondayThursday 7am3pm and Friday 7am2.30pm (with morning and lunch breaks as scheduled). Occasional weekend or out - of - hours work may be required.
About You
Were looking for someone who is enthusiastic about grounds maintenance, committed to high standards and able to inspire confidence in those they lead. You will bring:
- Strong interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to plan work, communicate clearly and manage competing priorities.
- Proven experience managing staff at both team and individual levels.
- Broad skills and knowledge across grounds and maintenance tasks.
- Confident use of databases, Microsoft Office, PDAs and CAFAM systems (Invida).
- Knowledge and understanding of pests and diseases.
- Qualifications including GCSEs (or equivalent), a recognised horticultural qualification to HNC level (or equivalent), PA1 and PA6 spraying certification, and IOSH Health & Safety (or equivalent).
- A full UK driving licence (or full EU licence on appointment, with transfer required before start date), including towing capability.
- Certification in operating handheld and ride - on machinery commonly used in the sector.
- The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, adapting work practices as required to ensure safety.
Please note, this role will involve physical and strenuous activity, as well as fine motor skills for precise horticultural tasks.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a leadership role within a supportive and developing team, contributing to meaningful environmental and sustainability work while helping to shape some of the Universitys most valued outdoor spaces. You will enjoy a varied working environment, the chance to influence positive change, and the satisfaction of seeing your work reflected across the Universitys sites every day.
If you would like to apply, please click the Apply button below to create an account (if you do not already have one) and submit your application.
If you have any questions about the vacancy or application process, please contact the Estates Division via email.
Please quote reference BA48986 in your application and any correspondence. xsngvjr
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of society.
We are also required to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.