Grounds Maintenance Operative

Job Introduction

Grounds Maintenance Operative

• 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday
• £12.21 per hour
• On site parking
• Opportunities for career development
• Plus our Sodexo employee benefits package 

1. Purpose of the Job

• To ensure that the site is maintained to the standard required by the client.

• To work as a member of the grounds maintenance team, carrying out routine activities on a daily/weekly basis as defined by the site Planned Maintenance system, Grounds Maintenance Coordinator & Waste Manager.

• To deal promptly with any other/priority works presented by the Sodexo Helpdesk and Internal/External Audits.

4. Context and Main Issues

• Security: Ensure the security of Company and Client property and assets under your control.

• Relationships: Maintain good client and colleague relationships.

• Professional Communication: Ensure that all written communication represents a professional image to customers, clients, and staff.

• Customer Service: Action customer complaints by escalating to your line manager where necessary.

• Compliance: Comply with all Company policies/procedures and client site rules and regulations.

• Task Management: Organize and manage ad hoc activities promptly and efficiently as directed by management.

5. Main Assignments

• Training: Undertake all required training in relation to the site housekeeping and grounds service delivered to the client as per contract agreement.

• Uniform & PPE: Always wear the company uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified.

• Site Maintenance: Carry out specified grounds maintenance tasks, such as:

  • Grass cutting

  • Hedge maintenance

  • Shrub bed maintenance

  • Tree pruning

  • Weed management and litter removal

  • Annual bedding maintenance

  • Fine turf maintenance

  • Watering of plants, beds, and containers

  • Gritting and snow clearance during adverse weather

  • Hard surface maintenance

• Fault Reporting: Report all machinery faults and building defects to the Grounds Maintenance Coordinator/Helpdesk.

• Compliance: Adhere to all health and safety protocols, including COSHH, and follow risk assessments, method statements, and client-specific procedures.

• Teamwork: Support other areas of the team during periods of increased demand or absence.

• Meetings & Briefings: Attend staff team briefings and complete any required training.

6. Accountabilities

• Teamwork: Be part of a team of waste and grounds maintenance operatives ensuring the client site is maintained to the required standard.

  • General waste collections, movements, and recycling support.

  • General porter duties, including meeting room setups and furniture moves.

  • Preparing the site for adverse weather (sweeping water to drains, gritting, snow/ice clearance).

  • Site cleanliness tasks (e.g., sweeping leaves, removing weeds, litter picking, and housekeeping).

  • Ensure duties are completed in line with risk assessments, method statements, and quality standards.

  • Use approved products, equipment, and techniques, ensuring all tools and materials are cleaned and stored properly.

  • Complete all tasks within the specified timescales, adhering to safety and quality standards.

  • Report to the Grounds Maintenance Coordinator/line manager on progress.

7. Person Specification

Essential:

• Knowledge of health & safety, risk assessments & COSHH.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Willingness to be trained in any skills gap and a positive approach to learning.

• Self-motivated and flexible approach to the role.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, clients, and staff.

• Good time management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work well under pressure.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

• Experience in general site maintenance activities (e.g., porterage, waste collection, cleaning, adverse weather preparations).

• Experience working on a manufacturing/industrial site.

• Forklift Truck License and experience.

• Experience working as a banksman.

8. Competencies

• Innovation and Change: Provide ideas for improved efficiency.

• Brand Notoriety: Contribute positively to the brand’s reputation.

• Commercial Awareness: Understand the business needs and cost-effectiveness.

• Employee Engagement: Work collaboratively with the team to achieve goals.

• Learning & Development: Continuously improve skills and expertise through ongoing training and development.