COSS Site Supervisor (Rail & Vegetation)

Ground Control; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based grounds maintenance company is seeking a hands-on COSS Site Supervisor to oversee rail-based arboriculture projects. The ideal candidate will ensure site safety, manage teams, and maintain high standards of professionalism. Key requirements include COSS certification, strong leadership skills, and experience in rail environments. This position offers career development, a competitive benefits package, and the chance to grow with a dynamic team.

Benefits

23 days holiday

Yearly bonus scheme

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Subsidised gym memberships

Employee recognition scheme

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• COSS (Controller of Site Safety) certification is essential.
• Experience in a rail or arb devegetation environment.
• Strong IT skills for compliance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead site teams and ensure safety on live rail sites.
• Supervise devegetation and arboriculture activities.
• Manage site documentation and safety checks.

Skills

COSS certification

Experience supervising in a rail or arb devegetation environment

Strong IT skills

Good working knowledge of safety legislation

Leadership abilities

Communication skills

Education

PTS certification

IOSH Managing Safely or SMSTS

Job description

COSS Site Supervisor

Location: Manchester / Merseyside / Lancashire

Salary: Base overtime opportunities & commercial vehicle with fuel card

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week Monday-Friday

About the role

We’re looking for a hands‑on COSS Site Supervisor to lead our teams delivering rail‑based arboriculture and devegetation projects. You’ll take charge of site safety, ensure compliance and drive quality on every job making sure work is carried out safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

As the key link between our site teams, subcontractors and clients you’ll set the standard for professionalism and safe working while keeping projects moving smoothly.

What you’ll be doing

• Acting as COSS on live rail sites setting up and maintaining safe systems of work.
• Supervising devegetation and arboriculture clearance activities to ensure compliance with rail and environmental standards.
• Leading site teams and subcontractors, motivating them to deliver work safely on time and to specification.
• Carrying out site safety checks, toolbox talks and ensuring close‑call and hazard reporting is embedded in daily operations.
• Managing site documentation access / egress and reporting with strong use of IT systems for compliance and client updates.
• Representing Ground Control on site, ensuring high standards of professionalism, communication and customer satisfaction.

What we’re looking for

• COSS (Controller of Site Safety) certification (essential).
• PTS and either IOSH Managing Safely or SMSTS.
• Experience supervising in a rail or arb devegetation environment.
• Good working knowledge of safety legislation and site management processes.
• Strong IT skills, confident in using systems for reporting compliance and communication.
• A proven leader able to motivate, challenge and support teams to deliver safely and effectively.

Desirable

• PIC (Person in Charge) certification.
• Technical arboriculture knowledge or previous vegetation management experience.
• First Aid at Work qualification.

Why join us

Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training and tailored development programmes including our GC Leadership Academy, job‑specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package

• 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service and bank holidays.
• Yearly bonus scheme & share options.
• Robust pension scheme.
• Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service.
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships.
• Employee recognition scheme.
• 2 personal choice volunteering days.

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK‑based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973 Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Key Skills

Customer Service, Developmental Disabilities Experience, Organisational skills, Communication skills, Computer Skills, Construction Experience, Computer Literacy, Security, Leadership Experience, Property Management, Supervising Experience, Troubleshooting