Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative

Karbon Homes; North East; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave (rising to 31)

Birthday leave

Occupational pension

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits pot

Funding for qualifications, courses, &

Job summary

Karbon Homes is seeking a Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative to join the Grounds Maintenance Team. The role covers cyclical maintenance, garden clearances, grass cutting, tree maintenance, litter picking and fly tipping clearance across the Karbon footprint, with focus on safety and quality.

Based in Newcastle (Newburn) or Teesside, you will supervise a small team, operate ride-on mowers and horticultural equipment, follow site maps, and ensure works meet service standards.

Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of Health and Safety standards.
• Experience in a modern grounds maintenance service.
• Ability to supervise and work as part of a small team.

Responsibilities

• Supervise delivery of grounds maintenance tasks to service standards.
• Operate and oversee ride-on mowers and horticultural equipment.
• Act as first point of contact for quality and safety on site.

Skills

Health and safety knowledge

Customer care

Team leadership

Time management

Tools

PDA

Job description

Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative

We're looking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the role of Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative in the Grounds Maintenance Team. Our in-house team is committed to continual improvement of maintenance of land to specific standards across the Karbon footprint.

About The Role

Working outdoors in all weathers across the Karbon footprint covering cyclical maintenance, garden clearances, grass cutting, tree maintenance, litter picking and fly tipping clearance and associated works as directed by the Grounds Maintenance Team Leader.

The role requires a good working knowledge of current health and safety, working to specification and time management and an enthusiastic resilient attitude.

You’ll be operating and be responsible for a variety of ride on mowers and other horticultural and arboricultural equipment as well as familiarity with operating systems on PDA, supervision and driving an allocated Karbon vehicle. With relevant experience in a similar role, you will have a knowledge of and a strong commitment to customer care as first point of contact and be responsible for ensuring works are completed in line with our service standards as the Lead Operative in a team of three and be able to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative.

You would be first point of contact with the Team Leader and responsible for ensuring quality of completed works and that all Health and Safety guidance is followed.

A full UK driving licence (Manual) is essential and towing experience would be beneficial.

About You

We're looking for an experienced Lead Operative to join and support our Grounds Maintenance team in building on an already excellent service, delivered to our customers in a way that that promotes high levels of customer focus, performance, safety, and quality, with a strong emphasis on innovation, forward thinking and continuous improvement.

Candidates should have a good working knowledge of a modern ground maintenance service and the challenges it faces with experience of improving areas.

You’ll need to be able to follow instructions and interpret site maps whilst also being able to think on your feet.

Experience of Ride On Mower operation would be an advantage as would experience of pesticide application and using a PDA.

This must all be combined with a strong commitment to excellent customer service and learning and development.

Working With Us

The successful candidate will work in our Grounds Maintenance team led by the Grounds Maintenance Manager If you require further information about the role, please contact Kyle Balfour 07799341548 or Adam Birks 07711 494413

Key Details

• Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative - Permanent role
• Salary is £28,707 per annum
• Location: One role based in Newcastle (Newburn) and one role based in Teesside
• Regular travel will be required
• 37 hours per week

We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to, and do not place them at, or make them a risk in the role they're applying for.

The role you're applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The successful candidate(s) will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre-employment checks.

Why Join Us?

We offer a generous benefits package to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)
• Birthday leave
• Occupational pension
• Health cash plan
• Flexible benefits pot
• Access to funding for qualifications, conferences, and learning events

Key Dates

Closing date for applications: Monday 17 August 2026

Interview date

TBC

We're Inclusive

We're proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you'll be guaranteed an interview.

Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at [e-mail]