Landscape contracts manager - Milton Keynes

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we are looking for! Of course, experience and track record are important, but we are more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That is someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we are dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.

So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

More about your role

You will manage and deliver quality and value for money landscaping and estate services to all sites/estates within an area, including grounds maintenance, communal cleaning, window cleaning, waste removal and various other services as the sites and business require.

Leadership of a team of directly employed operatives and a network of external contractors, services will be put in place and managed effectively for quality and cost. The role involves ensuring directly supervised staff and contractors are adhering to group policy and supporting the delivery of quality services. The role will assist in growth of the business, working closely with customers and internal stakeholders.

Working as a Landscape Contracts Manager within Estate Services, the post holder will support the wider estate management function and to contribute to a clean, green, and safe environment for customers.

Essential Skills and Experience

Essential:

Strong technical knowledge of estate management services, supported by a relevant Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification, with the ability to communicate effectively to stakeholders.

Proven experience leading and managing operational teams to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused service.

Excellent organisational, planning, and customer service skills, including route optimisation, efficiency improvements, and complaint resolution, along with a clean driving licence.

Preferred:

Experience in customer satisfaction initiatives, with strong communication and negotiation skills.

Knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and cost centre management.

Understanding of Health & Safety regulations (including COSHH) and proficiency in IT systems such as Microsoft Office and scheduling/mobile applications.

More about you

You will lead and manage a team delivering high-quality estate services, driving efficiency, innovation, and value for money while ensuring strong performance against KPIs. Champion a positive health and safety culture through regular engagement, audits, and the promotion of safe working practices. Provide effective and supportive leadership, promoting team wellbeing and development. Maintain robust financial control through accurate budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and expenditure validation. Oversee staff and contractor performance to ensure service level agreements, quality standards, and best value are consistently achieved. Build strong relationships with stakeholders while delivering clear, timely performance reporting and ensuring compliance with policies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there is always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly

Pension with matched contributions up to 7%

Excellent holiday package - 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell leave

Cashback plan for healthcare costs - up to 500 saving per year

A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%

Training and development

Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more

Safeguarding

At Places for People, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. We are committed to creating safe communities for our customers and colleagues by protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.

We follow robust safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring all employees, volunteers, and contractors uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and accountability. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable, to promote a safe and secure working environment.

By joining Places for People, you are expected to contribute to our safeguarding culture, following our policies and reporting concerns to protect those in our communities