Grounds Maintenance Contract Manager

HL Services Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Contract Manager to oversee the successful delivery of contracts, focusing on operational performance and customer satisfaction. The role involves managing contract compliance, financial oversight, and business growth initiatives while promoting a strong culture of Health & Safety. Candidates should have management experience and a commitment to service excellence, ensuring compliance with relevant standards. This position is ideal for motivated individuals ready to lead and develop teams effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of management experience in the public or private sector.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering services to high standards.
• Strong understanding of operational, financial, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for contract compliance and service delivery.
• Lead and develop teams to ensure high standards in operations.
• Monitor revenue and expenditure to achieve financial targets.

Skills

Management experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

Health & Safety knowledge

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Contract Manager to take responsibility for the successful delivery of a portfolio of contracts, ensuring high standards of operational performance, financial control and customer satisfaction. This is a key role within the business, combining contract leadership, client engagement and business growth, with a strong focus on Health & Safety and compliance. As Contract Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management and continuity of existing contracts, ensuring all operational and financial targets are met or exceeded. You will also play an active role in supporting business growth through the development of new work streams and opportunities. You will lead and develop a strong management and supervisory team, capable of supporting current operations and future expansion. Working closely with client representatives, you will ensure company initiatives are clearly understood and delivered, while identifying opportunities for organic growth. A key element of the role is providing visible leadership in Health & Safety and ensuring full compliance with ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety).

Operations

• Take overall responsibility for contract compliance, growth, financial performance and service delivery.
• Lead, support and develop Team Leaders and operational staff.
• Develop, implement and monitor KPIs to ensure contractual compliance and continuous improvement.
• Deliver contractual social value commitments and provide regular performance reporting.
• Prepare and present monthly client performance reports.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients on service delivery and contract development matters.
• Ensure all employees and subcontractors are appropriately trained, qualified and competent.
• Support contract mobilisations and demobilisations as required.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and partnership working to maximise growth from existing contracts.
• Identify and develop new, profitable contract opportunities in line with agreed targets.

Finance

• Attend monthly financial review meetings and maintain accountability for contract performance.
• Monitor revenue and expenditure to ensure financial targets are achieved.
• Support invoicing, debtor control and effective debt recovery.
• Assist with monthly forecasting and financial planning.
• Proactively manage financial change requirements for new and existing contracts.

Policy & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant ISO standards and company policies.
• Lead on vehicle and fleet management, ensuring all statutory and safety requirements are met.
• Ensure annual performance reviews are completed and accurately recorded.
• Promote compliance with equality, customer care and legislative requirements across all teams.

Health & Safety

• Lead by example in the implementation of Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure a safe working environment for employees, subcontractors, clients and the public.
• Identify and mitigate operational and contractual risks in collaboration with senior management and Health & Safety professionals.
• Ensure appropriate use of PPE, uniform and identification at all times.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum three years of management experience in the public or private sector.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering services to high standards.
• Experience managing complex or challenging contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of operational, financial and performance management.
• Detailed knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance, hard and soft landscaping (or ability to develop this knowledge).
• Ability to work on own initiative and manage teams effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Confident, visible leadership style with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Customer‑focused with a commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to lead by example and promote a positive working culture.