Cemeteries & Grounds Maintenance Operative

Manpower Group (UK); Northampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare & Wellbeing platform

Full Workwear & PPE provided

Disability and life balance benefits

Job summary

ManpowerGroup (UK) in Northampton is seeking a Cemeteries & Grounds Maintenance Operative to join the Cemetery Services team. You will handle grave preparation, excavation, backfilling and routine grounds upkeep to keep the cemetery tidy, respectful and safe for visitors.

The role is permanent, full-time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with shift times 07:00–16:30. A driving licence is essential and training is provided for cemetery operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Grounds Maintenance Operative including grass cutting and flower bed maintenance.
• Experience with cemetery work, grave digging and burial processes; training available.
• A full UK driving licence is essential; safety-minded and physically fit for outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, excavate and backfill graves.
• Oversee general cemetery grounds maintenance to keep areas tidy and respectful for visitors.

Skills

Grass cutting

Strimming

Hedge cutting

Flower bed maintenance

Grave digging

Burial processes

Driving licence

Can-do attitude

Safety-conscious

Physically fit

Education

COTS (Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme)

Tools

360 Excavator

Dumper

Job description

Cemeteries & Grounds Maintenance Operative

Location: Northampton

Hourly Rate: £13.45

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working Hours: 37 hours. Monday - Friday, to take place between 0700 and 1630

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Grounds Maintenance Operative to join the Cemetery Services team in Northampton. In this role, you will be responsible for a range of tasks including the preparation, excavation and backfilling of graves as well as overseeing the general maintenance of the cemetery grounds, ensuring they remain tidy, well-kept and respectful for visitors and loved ones. Your work will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the cemetery, whilst upholding professionalism, dignity and care for the environment at all times.

Requirements

• Experience as a Grounds Maintenance Operative, including grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting and flower bed maintenance.
• Experience with cemetery work, grave digging and burial processes, with formal burial training would be highly advantageous.
• A COTS (Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme) certification is beneficial but all training can be provided by the client to the successful candidate.
• Previous 360 Excavator & Dumper experience also beneficial, but training for this can also be provided.
• A full valid UK driving license is essential.
• Can-do attitude and safety-conscious mindset.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Why join us?

As the UK's leading grounds maintenance and landscape creation provider, no two projects are ever the same - and neither are our people. That's why we're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

We're proud to have been recognised as Employer of the Year and Sustainable Company of the Year at this year's Landscaper Awards, reflecting our commitment to supporting our people while delivering a more sustainable future.

What we offer

• Career advancement and development opportunities through our bespoke apprenticeship programmes, our extensive in-house training academy, and coaching and mentorship.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace where you can collaborate with passionate and talented individuals.
• Contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact & make a real difference in the community and environment.
• We recognise and reward your hard work with our wide-ranging competitive benefits package designed to prioritise your wellbeing, support life choices, and help in both good and challenging times.

Benefits

• 21 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Full Workwear & PPE provided.
• Healthcare & Wellbeing platform.
• Enhanced maternity and shared parental leave.
• Support for personal and professional challenges.
• Discounts on retail, holidays, gym memberships, and more.
• Secure your future - resources to manage your finances
• Colleague of the month and annual awards.
• Two days per year to support a cause of your choice.
• Comprehensive resources and support.

About our client

We are Europe's largest provider of grounds maintenance services and landscape creation, in the UK alone we're a community of over 3,000 passionate colleagues shaping the future of the green industry.

We understand what it means to grow. Our history dates back to 1919, and today, with a turnover of £250 million, we're more than just a company - we're a force for positive change. We offer a range of services to create, maintain, and manage landscapes across the UK.

Grow with us, and together we'll create a greener future for all.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.