Garden Team Leader

The role

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.

What will you be doing?

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.

You should apply if

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

Additional information

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_hidden***

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

JOB NUMBER

SUPP113550

CONTRACT TYPE/WORK PATTERN

Open ended / Full time

POSTING END DATE

16 Jul 2026

FACULTY/DIVISION

Campus Division

SALARY

£26,093 - £28,778 per annum