Operations Lead - Grounds Technical Team

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week (some evening and weekend work may be required to support business continuity).

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance

Closing Date: 19 April 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: Face to Face

Legal Right to Work

Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism is identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

References

This role is subject to two references; where possible we require three years' history.

Qualification

See About The Candidate

Driving Licence

The successful candidate should hold a full, clean driving licence as driving a vehicle in accordance with council regulations may be required.

Casual Car Documentation

The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User. If you drive, you must hold a full valid driving licence, provide your own car for use at work, and supply all appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use.

Shape Manchester's Green Future

We are looking for an inspiring Operations Lead - Grounds Maintenance, Biodiversity, Arbor & Play - to help create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city.

Why This Role Matters

Our parks and green spaces are the lifeblood of Manchester. It's where communities connect, nature flourishes, and climate resilience begins. As Operations Lead - Technical Grounds, you will play a central role in delivering high quality services that keep these spaces safe, sustainable, and welcoming for everyone.

What You'll Do

You will work at a senior level across the Council and with partner organisations to develop innovative approaches, improve service standards, and deliver long term strategies aligned with The Manchester Strategy. You will be responsible for in house staff, commissioned services and resources. The service operates out of Hooper Street Depot.

• Lead with impact: Manage the operational delivery of grounds maintenance, arbor services, biodiversity initiatives, and maintenance of play facilities across the city.
• Drive improvement: Implement innovative approaches to service delivery, ensuring efficiency, value for money, and continuous improvement.
• Champion sustainability: Embed biodiversity and climate goals into everyday operations, supporting Manchester's zero carbon ambition.
• Manage resources: Co ordinate teams and budgets effectively, ensuring compliance with health & safety and statutory requirements.
• Collaborate and influence: Work closely with internal services and external partners including Housing Providers, City of Trees and Britain in Bloom to deliver joined up solutions that meet community needs.

As part of your application, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Expression of Interest setting out how your skills and experience meet the requirements on the attached role profile.

About The Candidate

• Strategic vision and strong value for money focus, with the ability to optimise resources, commissioning and service delivery.
• Strong financial expertise, including experience managing complex budgets and achieving financial targets.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, lead change, and foster continuous improvement.
• Expertise in arboriculture, biodiversity management, and play area safety standards.
• Experience managing operational assets, including vehicles, plant, machinery, and supplies.
• Outstanding communication and political awareness, with the ability to influence and build effective partnerships.
• Commitment to compliance, health & safety, and statutory requirements.
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and Our Manchester Behaviours.

You will hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) and bring at least five years of experience leading similar operations in similar sectors.

Must demonstrate proven experience working in accordance with BS EN 1176 and BS EN 1177 playground safety standards. RPII Level 2 Operational Inspector qualification is highly desirable.

• Technical qualification in arboriculture (e.g., LANTRA, City & Guilds) or equivalent experience, with strong practical knowledge of tree surveying, inspection techniques and risk management.
• Knowledge equivalent to RHS Level 3 in Practical Horticulture, with strong practical skills in plant care, cultivation and landscape maintenance.
• Good understanding of biodiversity, sustainable planting, ecological gardening and habitat enhancement in parks and public spaces.
• Skilled in habitat creation, species rich planting and environmentally responsible land management.
• Competent in using asset management and inspection systems to support accurate data recording, compliance monitoring and effective operational planning.
• Knowledge and practical experience of project management, procurement and contract management, including drafting specifications, evaluating tenders, monitoring contractors and ensuring compliance with Council policies and statutory requirements.
• Ability to capture and manage grounds maintenance and land management records using GIS systems, ensuring accurate mapping, data integrity and effective operational planning.
• Preferable minimum: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Management (or equivalent qualification/experience). Project Management qualification desirable.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance - enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension - enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with options to top up. Includes life cover of three times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - take advantage of enhanced family leave options.
• Brilliant perks - access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+, discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests.
• Learn and grow - dedicated to nurturing talent with workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications, starting with a comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member - commitment to secure, flexible work and health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - pro rate paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We are dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people.

Right to Work

Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under Manchester City Council policy.

Pre-Employment Checks

Successful candidates may be required to provide evidence of right to work, references, qualifications, DBS check, and if applicable, driving licence and proof of Manchester residency.