We are looking for an experienced and motivated Garden Team Leader to lead a skilled team in maintaining high-quality outdoor spaces across the University.
This is a hands-on supervisory role where you’ll combine practical horticultural expertise with team leadership—helping create safe, attractive and inspiring environments that support teaching, learning and research.
As Garden Team Leader, you will:
- Lead, organise and motivate a team to deliver high-quality seasonal grounds maintenance
- Plan and prioritise workloads to ensure work is completed safely and on time
- Carry out and oversee horticultural tasks including planting, pruning, weeding and landscaping
- Maintain gardens, hard surfaces and open spaces to professional standards
- Deliver team briefings and support staff development, training and performance management
- Take responsibility for health & safety compliance, including COSHH and risk assessments
- Operate and oversee the safe use of machinery, tools and vehicles
- Respond to changing conditions (e.g. weather or operational priorities)
- Liaise with colleagues across the University to maintain high service standards
- Deputise for the Grounds Coordinator when required
You’ll lead from the front—setting standards, supporting your team and ensuring continuous improvement across all activities.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong experience in horticulture, gardens or grounds maintenance
- Has proven experience supervising or leading a team
- Has relevant operational qualifications (e.g. NPTC, LANTRA)
- Demonstrates strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- Has a good understanding of health and safety practices
- Communicates effectively and works collaboratively
- Holds a full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Supervisory or leadership qualification
- IOSH or similar health & safety certification
- Experience working within a large or complex organisation
- Familiarity with Microsoft applications and smartphone use
Contract type: Open ended
Work pattern: Full time (35 hours)
Grade: E
Salary: £26,093 - £28,778 per annum
School/Unit: Campus Division - External Estates
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on: Thursday 16th July
Interviews are expected to take place on w/c 20th July
For informal queries please contact: James Fiddock (Gardens and Grounds Manager) on 07990 540279 or [email protected]
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