Job Description

Lowther Forestry Group Ltd

Landscape Lead Operative (Commercial Soft Landscaping)

Location: Shrewsbury Regional Office

Lowther Forestry Group are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Commercial Soft Landscape Lead Operative to join our team, based at our Shrewsbury regional office. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to take a lead role in delivering high-quality soft landscaping projects across a variety of commercial sites.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and supervise a team of operatives on commercial soft landscaping projects.

Oversee the delivery of planting, turfing, seeding, and associated works to the highest standards.

Ensure works are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with project specifications.

Operate and maintain landscaping machinery and equipment.

Liaise with site managers, clients, and colleagues to ensure smooth project delivery.

Produce and maintain accurate digital site records using the tablet provided and report progress to line management.

Requirements:

Minimum 3 years' experience in a similar supervisory/lead operative role within commercial soft landscaping.

Relevant industry qualifications and training certificates (Examples include: CSCS, SSSTS, NPORS/LANTRA machinery tickets, PA1/PA6 spraying, etc.).

Proven leadership and organisational skills.

Strong knowledge of horticultural practices and landscape construction methods.

Full UK driving licence - essential.

We Offer:

Competitive salary 27,040 - 30,160 (dependent on experience and qualifications).

Annual performance and pay reviews

Regular overtime opportunities

Accommodation and allowance when working away

20 days holiday + bank holidays, with discretionary additional leave scheme after 2 years of employment

Employee contribution pension scheme

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Friendly, supportive, and professional team environment

All PPE provided

If you meet the above criteria and are looking to take the next step in your landscaping career, we would love to hear from you.

Person Specification

Qualifications -

Work based qualifications relevant to the role would be advantageous (NPTC / LANTRA certification or similar) such as; ATV, CSCS Card, basic chainsaw, telehandler, PA1, PA6

Knowledge -

An understanding of soft landscape construction operations including planting, turfing, seeding, soil preparation and aftercare. Practical knowledge of operating and maintaining landscape machinery (telehandlers, compact tractors, pedestrian cultivation/rotovation equipment, brush cutters/strimmers). Awareness of industry standards and best practice for quality and safety in landscaping projects. Good working knowledge of health & safety regulations (RAMS, site inductions, PPE requirements).

Experience -

Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate small teams on site, ensuring productivity and quality standards are achieved. Experience in commercial landscaping environments and working to deadlines on construction-led projects.

Skills -

Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to take ownership of site operations.
Ability to work as part of a team while confidently leading others.

Enthusiastic and motivated

Ability to communicate efficiently with team members

Good health and safety culture

Full UK Driving Licence is essential

Willingness to work away from home as required by contract demands (predominantly Midlands, but nationwide travel required at times).

Main Duties -

The successful candidate will lead soft landscape construction teams in delivering a wide range of commercial landscaping contracts. Operate and oversee the safe use of machinery including telehandlers, compact tractors, pedestrian cultivation equipment, and brush cutters/strimmers. Supervise site works to ensure quality, productivity, and compliance with specifications. Carry out soil preparation, turfing, seeding, planting, and associated landscape works. Ensure strict compliance with health & safety requirements, including conducting daily checks, site inductions, and adherence to RAMS. Liaise with Supervisors, Assistant Managers, and Contracts Managers to coordinate resources, progress reporting, and site handover. Undertake physical landscape works as required alongside machine operation and supervisory duties.

Training Delivery -

Training will be delivered to the candidate through a combination of in-house training and external training providers. Experience in supervising work activities will be gained on a daily basis via in house training on the job. These new found skills / experiences will be backed up with recognised qualifications which will be delivered by external training providers. Typical qualifications that may be undertaken:

Valid CSCS Card

Emergency First Aid at Work

Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

CPCS / NPORS machinery operation

How to Apply:

To apply for this vacancy please visit our website to complete our company application form: www.lowther-forestry.co.uk/career-opportunities

Please note we only accept information entered onto our company application form, and are unable to accept CV's when applying for this position.

Closing date for applications:

Thursday 23rd October 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,040.00-30,160.00 per year

Work Location: In person