Grounds Maintenance Manager
Location: Manchester, M11 area
Salary: Up to £40,000 dependant on experience
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 15:00
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead the maintenance and enhancement of landscaped areas across Manchester. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a high-quality green environment, with a strong focus on client engagement, biodiversity, and sustainable horticultural practices. You will ensure exceptional standards of turf management, landscaping, and overall site presentation, while leading and coordinating the grounds team, contractors, and suppliers to deliver first-class outdoor spaces.
Operational Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and supervise the landscape gardening team to deliver consistently high standards across all sites.
- Plan and manage all routine and seasonal horticultural activities, including planting, pruning, mowing, weeding, mulching, and irrigation.
- Conduct regular site inspections to ensure health, safety, and quality standards are maintained.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the main point of contact for the client in relation to landscape maintenance.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, ensuring expectations are met and exceeded.
- Provide regular updates, attend meetings, and contribute to future planning and improvement initiatives.
Biodiversity & Sustainability
- Implement and promote sustainable horticultural practices to minimise environmental impact, including integrated pest management, organic methods, and water efficiency.
- Lead biodiversity initiatives such as habitat creation, wildflower planting, and ecological monitoring.
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to align landscape management with wider environmental strategies.
Horticultural Standards & Development
- Maintain high horticultural and aesthetic standards across all areas, aligned with a premium site presentation.
- Identify opportunities for improvement to enhance biodiversity, visual appeal, and ecological value.
- Stay up to date with industry best practices and introduce innovation where appropriate.
Administration & Reporting
- Manage schedules, work plans, and budgets in collaboration with management and client teams.
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, environmental data, and biodiversity progress.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental legislation and internal policies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Level 3 or higher qualification in Horticulture, Landscape Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proven experience in a senior horticultural or grounds management role, ideally within a high-profile or public-facing environment.
- Strong knowledge of sustainable horticulture and biodiversity principles.
- Experience in client liaison and managing expectations effectively.
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to develop and motivate a team.
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and a full UK driving licence are essential.
Desirable
- Knowledge of ISO 14001 and other environmental management systems.
- Familiarity with BREEAM, Urban Greening Factor, or other ecological design frameworks.
- Experience in using digital work planning or FM systems for scheduling and reporting.
Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
- Opportunities for training and career progression.
- Involvement in high-profile and award-winning landscaping projects.
- Family-friendly policies: Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave.
- Employee Assistance Programmes: Support for personal and professional challenges.
- Voluntary benefits: Discounts on retail, holidays, gym memberships, and more.
- Financial wellbeing support: Resources to manage your finances.
- Recognition schemes: Colleague of the month and annual awards.
- Volunteering policy: Two days per year to support a cause of your choice.
- Mental health support: Comprehensive resources and support.
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