Casual Grounds Operative

Sodexo Ltd; City Of London; On-site; Part time

Job summary

A facilities management company is seeking a Grounds Person to maintain the sports pitches at the University of Greenwich. Ideal candidates should be self-motivated and have experience in grounds maintenance. Responsibilities include operating groundskeeping equipment and ensuring pitch conditions are optimal. The position offers competitive pay and comprehensive employee benefits.

Benefits

Mental health and well-being support

Employee Assistance Programme

Free health and well-being app

Sodexo Discounts Scheme

Retirement Plan membership

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Driving Licence required.
• Experience in grounds or outdoor maintenance.
• Basic knowledge of pitch care and turf management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sports pitches, both grass and artificial.
• Operate groundskeeping equipment.
• Monitor pitch conditions and report issues.
• Assist with seasonal tasks like aeration and reseeding.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Good communication skills

Time management

Education

Level 2 GNVQ groundsman

Tools

Groundskeeping equipment

Job description

A role where the little details make a big difference

• £13.85 per hour
• Casual
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline

As a Grounds Person at Sodexo, you will be essential to the upkeep of the magnificent University of Greenwich, Southwood Site, Avery Hill Road, SE9 2UG and specifically the Winter Gardens. The university occupies acres of stunning landscape combining breath‑taking old buildings with cutting‑edge modern facilities to give its students the greatest learning environment imaginable. The ideal applicant for this position should be self‑motivated, have great attention to detail, a genuine "can do" attitude, be happy to work on their own, and be capable of using their own initiative.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

What you’ll do:

• Carry out routine maintenance of sports pitches (grass and artificial surfaces)
• Initial Mark out pitches according to fixture schedules
• Operate groundskeeping equipment (e.g., mowers, line markers, strimmers)
• Monitor pitch conditions and report any issues or hazards
• Assist with seasonal tasks such as aeration, fertilising, and reseeding
• Maintain cleanliness of surrounding areas including paths, stands, and equipment storage
• Support event set‑up and takedown when required
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures at all times and that the relevant health & safety measures are complied with.
• Work some weekends; Bank Holidays notice will be given.

What you bring

Essential:

• Driving Licence
• Experience in grounds or outdoor maintenance level 2 GNVQ groundsman.
• Basic knowledge of pitch care and turf management
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• Good communication and time management skills

Desirable:

• Experience with sports pitch preparation PA1 & PA6 Herbicide
• Knowledge of health and safety in a facilities environment

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions, and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work‑related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
• A death in Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including apprenticeships and a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Full training and full protective uniform supplied

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

*Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications

About the Company

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On‑Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.