Grounds Team Supervisor

Reports to: Operations Director

Location: Oldham (in person)

Working hours: Full-time – 40 hours per week (flexible schedule, 5–7 days including occasional weekends)

Salary: £30,000 – £32,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

About Life for a Life Memorial Forests

Life for a Life Memorial Forests is a UK charity dedicated to creating living memorials through the planting and care of trees. Our forests provide peaceful spaces for remembrance, support biodiversity, enhance green spaces, and benefit local communities. Working with us means leading a team that makes a tangible difference for the environment, local communities, and the families we support.

Purpose of the Role

The Grounds Team Supervisor will lead Life for a Life’s Grounds and Woodland Team, taking a hands-on approach to the maintenance and development of our memorial forests. You will actively participate in practical tasks such as tree planting, pruning, fencing, and meadow management while ensuring day-to-day operations are safe, efficient, and of the highest standard. This role requires flexibility, as you will sometimes work 5–7 days a week, including weekends, to support tree dedications, seasonal works, or special events.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage the Grounds and Woodland Team, including workforce planning, training, and upskilling.
• Actively undertake practical work alongside your team, including planting trees, grounds maintenance, and woodland management, setting a high standard of workmanship.
• Promote and ensure staff safety, compliance with H&S standards, and proper use of PPE.
• Conduct performance reviews, support professional development, and encourage a positive team culture.
• Woodland and Land Management
• Lead and actively carry out woodland and small-scale forestry works, including tree planting, pruning, and silvicultural management.
• Plan and manage grass-cutting operations, including wildflower meadow management.
• Undertake repairs and installation of fencing, benches, and other site infrastructure.
• Ensure practical works are delivered to a high standard while meeting the charity’s environmental and accessibility objectives.

Community Engagement & Public-Facing Responsibilities

• Ensure the team provides a welcoming, professional experience for families, volunteers, and visitors during tree dedications and site events.
• Support staff in communicating the charity’s mission, environmental objectives, and sustainable land management practices.

Operational Planning & Reporting

• Plan and manage weekly, monthly, and seasonal work schedules, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
• Monitor stock levels of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Liaise with contractors and the office team to coordinate projects and site operations.
• Provide updates to management on team performance, project progress, and resource needs.

Health, Safety & Environmental Standards

• Lead by example in adhering to health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and toolbox talks.
• Ensure all work aligns with the charity’s environmental stewardship and sustainability objectives.

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must confirm that:

• Experience leading or mentoring a small team, with the ability to guide practical works and support staff development.
• Ability to balance operational leadership with hands-on involvement in woodland and grounds management.
• You hold a full, clean manual driving licence.
• You are confident driving a medium wheelbase, high-roof van (additional training available if required).
• You are comfortable towing a trailer for transporting machinery (training can be provided).
• You can reliably travel to our yard in Royton, Oldham (typically 8am or 9am starts).
• You are willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including 5–7 days per week when required, with some weekends for special events or seasonal work.
• You are comfortable working outdoors in most weather conditions.
• You have experience or knowledge of working on land-based activities, managing woodland, or a related field. 
• Fully conversant with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel & Teams
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team
• Awareness and respect of health and safety requirements and risk assessments associated with working in the field

Desirable Qualifications and experience:

• Experience leading or mentoring a small team, with the ability to guide practical works and support staff development.
• Ability to balance operational leadership with hands-on involvement in woodland and grounds management.
• Qualifications in countryside management, environmental management, forestry, or related fields are desirable.
• Experience or knowledge of working on land-based activities, managing woodland, or a related field. Experience with tree planting, pruning, general landscape maintenance, and groundskeeping machinery is desirable.
• Able to use GIS (mainly ArcGIS) and a range of other mapping applications
• Understanding of the environment sector – both the challenges and opportunities