Head of Ground Maintenance (m/f/d)

The Head of Ground Maintenance is a critical role ensuring the safe, compliant, and cost-effective upkeep of the solar sites’ physical environment, supporting optimal system performance, regulatory compliance, biodiversity commitments, and the long-term sustainability of assets.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement the grounds maintenance strategy across multiple sites to ensure vegetation control, site accessibility, and asset protection.
• Integrate grounds maintenance activities into broader O&M strategies, collaborating with engineering, health & safety, and asset management teams.
• Prepare and manage budgets for grounds maintenance operations and projects, ensuring cost efficiency and resource optimisation.
• Plan and align grounds activities with requirements of Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and other planning conditions, ensuring seasonal works (e.g. seeding, cutting regimes, ecological surveys) are scheduled appropriately. 

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations of vegetation management teams, including internal staff and external contractors.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritise seasonal maintenance tasks (e.g. mowing, herbicide application, tree cutting, habitat management, fencing repairs) to meet LEMP and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure rapid response to emergent vegetation issues threatening asset performance (e.g. shading, fire risk).
• Maintain accurate records of all grounds maintenance activities, inspections, and incidents for regulatory and asset owner reporting.
• Collaborate with Procurement on pricing and defining scope of works for EPC projects

Health, Safety, Environment & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations governing grounds maintenance work, including COSHH, Working at Height, and use of machinery.
• Promote and enforce site-specific biodiversity and environmental commitments, including habitat protection, management of invasive species, and adherence to LEMP obligations.
• Oversee risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for all grounds maintenance tasks.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Source, select, and manage third-party grounds maintenance contractors.
• Monitor contractor performance against KPIs and safety standards.
• Negotiate and manage service agreements to ensure quality, safety, and value for money.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, train, and mentor the grounds maintenance team.
• Promote a safety-first culture and proactive problem solving.
• Develop team capabilities in vegetation identification, safe equipment use, biodiversity management, and understanding of LEMP requirements. 

Key Interfaces

• O&M Operations Managers
• Asset Managers
• HSE Managers
• Environmental and ecological consultants
• Procurement & Commercial Teams
• External contractors and suppliers
• EPC & O&M Sales teams

Essential

• Significant experience in grounds, vegetation, or land management, ideally within the renewable energy, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong knowledge of vegetation control techniques, land management practices, and biodiversity considerations.
• Familiarity with Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and the ability to interpret and implement their requirements.
• Understanding of seasonal constraints and obligations associated with ecological management (e.g. nesting seasons, cutting regimes, habitat protection).
• Proven team leadership and management skills.
• Experience in managing external contractors and working to tight budgets.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to grounds maintenance.
• Proficiency with reporting systems and digital tools (e.g. CMMS, GIS).

Desirable

• Experience working on utility-scale solar farms or other renewable energy assets.
• Relevant vocational qualifications (e.g. NVQ in Horticulture, PA1/PA6 spraying certifications).
• Understanding of ecological management plans and planning consent requirements for renewable assets.
• Clean UK driving license.

Key Attributes

• Proactive problem solver with strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to safety and sustainability.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and priorities under pressure.
• Practical and hands-on leadership style.

We are a multicultural international company with a lot of team spirit. With 500 employees in 5 different countries, we work to ensure a climate-friendly energy production for future generations. We build ground-mounted solar power plants throughout Europe and, as one of the world's largest O&M service providers, ensure our costumers’ plant operation for decades to come.
 
Our aim is to protect the climate and ensure a cost-effective and secure energy supply. We foster acceptance of solar energy and thus contribute to the success of the energy transition. For future generations, we strive to make the world a little bit better.

As an innovative company, we offer a dynamic and goal-orientated working environment.
Enjoy flexible mobile working, full health insurance cover and up to 33 days off. We support your future with up to 6% employer pension contributions and 4 times life insurance. Performance counts for us, which is why our work is bonus-based and KPI-driven. Occupational safety and a good work-life balance are very important to us, therefore we attach great importance to your personal protective equipment and are committed to your safety, growth and well-being every step of the way.

Sarah Morris
HR Assistant
Tel. +44 773076-1606
sarah.morris@belectric.com

Suzanna Mendes
HR Assistant
Tel. +44 793940-1615
suzanna.mendes@belectric.com