We have seen exponential growth over the last 3 years and we now need a full-time Landscape Manager to head up our Landscaping Division.

This is a great opportunity for the right candidate to develop their career within a flexible and progressive independent company, based in Dorset.

You will lead a team of up to 10 landscapers mainly within the Dorset area.

Your focus will be mainly on commercial landscaping projects ranging typically from 5K – 100K in size. The ability to carry out accurate site surveys and estimates, manage projects with accurate cost control is essential.

The landscaping team work from our depot at Milborne St Andrew, which is our storage facility for our equipment/trailers etc however, the projects are all over Dorset, and sometimes further afield (ie Hampshire/Somerset).

If you would like an informal discussion about this exciting position, please contact Stephen Harris, MD and owner of WGS on 07870 976800.

Job Description

Benefits: Works vehicle provided and Company NEST pension scheme

Wessex Grounds Services Ltd is an ambitious organisation providing grounds maintenance services across Dorset, South Somerset, South Wiltshire & East Devon and landscaping and safety surfacing throughout the South West.

Key responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Managing Director, this role is to manage landscaping projects at our customer’s sites. The type of work includes Synthetic Surfacing, Hard Landscaping, Soft

Landscaping, Fencing, large planting schemes. The Manager is a role model for WGS and needs to behave accordingly, adopting a positive attitude to his/her work and WGS at all times.

Duties involve

• Under the Managing Director’s instruction lead on various landscaping projects.
• Estimating, programming of works, site surveying, project management
• Supervise teams of employees on a daily basis, identifying workloads and allocating tasks, ensuring work standards are maintained, and ensuring areas are left secure and barriers/gates locked.
• Induct/train new members of staff to ensure they are trained to correct standards for the work undertaken and machinery used.
• Liaise with the Management team to ensure the smooth running of projects across the company and communicate with Grounds Maintenance Manager effectively when work crosses over the different operational areas
• Responsible for frontline discipline including productivity and timekeeping.
• Responsible for the quality of service within his/her area of operation.
• Ability to pass on experience and knowledge and educate your team.

• Assisting the Managing Director in actively seeking new clients and contracts, working on estimates, quotations, and maintenance costs for prospective works.
• Responsibility for ensuring depots are kept safe and in good order.
• Ensure and promote the correct use and operation of machinery and equipment.
• Ensure Health and Safety requirements are adhered to, and the correct PPE is used for each task.
• Driving and operating a wide range of vehicles and equipment.
• Safely use, maintain, and clean equipment including hand tools and any other machinery required to undertake allocated tasks
• Compliance with all relevant legislation and in particular the control of Vibration at Works

Regulations 2005 and PUWER Regulations 1998.

• Install/maintain artificial sports areas.
• Oversee horticultural operations such as planting, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other gardening tasks as required.
• Work in a tidy and safe manner so as not to put oneself or others at risk.
• Follow company and customer policies.
• Always portray a professional image of WGS.
• Lead the team on the importance of excellent customer service.
• Timely completion of company paperwork and documentation, including signing off timesheets and conducting staff reviews and appraisals.
• Attend staff training when required.
• Excellent customer relationship skills.
• Undertake other duties that are required by the business.

Physical Effort and Working Environment

This role involves travelling, flexibility with working hours is essential, using powered tools on a daily basis, digging, planting, ride-on mowers, unloading and loading equipment/tools/materials. The work is outdoors all year round, and work will take place in all weather. Personal protective equipment will be provided.

Personal Specification

Skills/Experience Essential/Desirable

Able to lead and motivate a team of landscapers, min 3 years of supervisory experience

Able to organise work to meet quality standards and deadlines

Experience of site surveying and setting out levels to a high standard

Experience of undertaking hard and soft landscaping work, min 3 years’ experience

Health and Safety Qualification

Recent estimating experience in commercial landscaping work

NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Landscaping

PA1 & PA6 Spraying Certificate

Chainsaw certificate

Trailer license

Can work on your own and as part of a team

Ability to train/mentor staff in hard and soft landscaping

Excavator/dumper experience/certificate

Can use your own initiative, be self-motivated and adaptable

Experience of tree work

Experience of synthetic carpeting

Experience of fencing

An understanding of commercial landscaping plant and their maintenance requirements

Full valid Driving Licence, to transport employees and equipment to various sites

Excellent customer relationship skills

Undertake risk assessments

Project Management Experience

Office skills i.e., word and excel

Please note that this role will need an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check due to working within the school environment.

Benefits:

• Company car
• Company pension

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Milborne Saint Andrew, DT11 0HZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

• Grounds Maintenance & Landscaping Occupations: 3 years (preferred)
• Management/Supervisory: 3 years (preferred)

Apply on Indeed – Reference ID: Landscape Manager – https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=Wessex%20Grounds%20Services&l&vjk=66a68eef43c62d90