Grounds Maintenance Operative

Sanctuary; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit organisation in Leeds is hiring a Grounds Maintenance Operative. The role involves maintaining communal grounds, responding to customer complaints, and ensuring Health and Safety protocols. Candidates should have recent experience in grounds maintenance, a driving licence, and ideally a Pesticide Application Certificate. The position offers a competitive salary of £25,400 to £26,737 per annum with additional benefits including annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Life Assurance

Employee Advice Service including counselling

Cycle to Work scheme

Voluntary health plans

Employee discounts

Wellbeing support and tools

Employee recognition scheme

Employee Networks focused on inclusion

Qualifications

• Recent experience in grounds maintenance or similar role.
• Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to operate machinery and basic computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain estates according to contract specifications.
• Respond to complaints and ensure service delivery.
• Follow Health and Safety protocols and maintain equipment.

Skills

Recent experience in a similar role

Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 (or equivalent)

Practical experience of operating machinery

Ability to use and update computerised systems

Good communication skills

Full valid UK driving licence

Job description

Sanctuary provides in-house repairs and maintenance services for an extensive portfolio of properties across Sanctuary organisations. As part of a not-for-profit organisation, we aim to achieve outstanding results for our customers based on our values – working in an open and transparent way, creating strong partnerships, and providing first‑class customer service.

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Leeds

£25,400 - £26,737 per annum

40 hours per week

This role is part of the Estates Services team at Sanctuary Housing, focusing on Grounds Maintenance. You will work within a two‑person team led by a Chargehand, responsible for maintaining communal grounds across multiple sites in West Yorkshire on a rota basis. As a member of the Leeds team, you may also support additional tasks such as cleaning, waste clearance and other duties as required to meet business needs.

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Maintain estates in accordance with grounds maintenance contract specifications, applying basic horticultural practices
• Respond positively to complaints and breakdowns in service delivery to meet customer expectations in accordance with contract specifications and escalating complaints as appropriate
• Use equipment and materials safely, as instructed and in accordance with risk assessments, method statements and the manufacturer's guidance
• Ensure Health and Safety protocols are followed
• Keep tools and equipment in good condition and use them in line with Sanctuary policies and procedures

Skills and experience

• Recent experience in a similar role
• Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 (or equivalent) or willingness to work towards it
• Some practical experience of operating machinery
• Ability to use and update computerised systems (including PDA) for work scheduling
• Good communication skills
• Holding a full valid UK driving licence (required for driving on company business)

About us

We provide in-house repairs and maintenance for a wide range of properties as part of a not-for-profit organisation. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture, placing customers at the heart of all we do and colleagues making a real difference to people’s lives.

Our Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary
• Life Assurance
• Employee Advice Service including counselling
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Voluntary health plans
• Employee discounts
• Wellbeing support and tools
• Employee recognition scheme
• Employee Networks focused on inclusion, providing invaluable support to colleagues
• £25,400 per annum (rising to £26,737 per annum after 12 months, subject satisfactory performance)

Closing Date

29 December 2025

Contact

[e-mail]

Inclusion and Equality

Sanctuary is committed to building an inclusive environment where people thrive. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, support adjustments throughout the application process and uphold our Disability Confident employer status. We work closely with the Home Office to prevent unlawful working. Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.