Grounds Maintenance Operative

One of the UK’s leading providers of housing, care and community services, Sanctuary Group employs around 13,000 people and manages more than 100,000 units of accommodation throughout England and Scotland, including general rented, retirement living, supported housing, student and key worker accommodation and care homes. Sanctuary also provides a range of other services including maintenance, care and telecare, all of which are delivered by our dedicated employees who are completely committed to customer service.

£25,400 – £26,737 per year (rising after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance) – 40 hours per week.

We have an opportunity for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our team based in Ipswich. The role sits within Property Services, and you will be responsible for delivering high‑quality and cost‑effective property repairs, compliance and installation and estate services across the UK to mainly internal clients and additionally a small number of external clients. It is also responsible for the operational Health and Safety of the service, including fire safety and delivering effective group‑wide asset management and reinvestment programmes.

• Maintain estates in accordance with grounds maintenance contract specifications, applying basic horticultural practices.
• Provide accurate and timely information on progress, give advice and ensure accurate daily work records are completed.
• Respond positively to complaints and breakdowns in service delivery to meet customer expectations, escalating complaints as appropriate.
• Ensure tools and equipment are maintained in good condition and remain suitable for required tasks.
• Use equipment and materials in a safe manner, as instructed and in accordance with risk assessment, method statements and manufacturer guidance.
• Carry out all hazardous tasks such as spraying in accordance with supplier guidelines, ensuring relevant records are maintained to comply with health and safety and legal requirements.
• Assist with additional tasks such as bulk waste clearances and garden clearances.

• Literacy and numeracy equivalent to Grade C GCSE English and Maths.
• Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 (or equivalent) or willing to work towards.
• Recent experience of undertaking a similar role.
• Some practical experience of operating machinery.
• Good understanding of written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to drive on company business; a full valid UK driving licence is required.

We provide in‑house repairs and maintenance for a wide range of properties, as part of a not‑for‑profit organisation. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture. Our customers are at the heart of all we do, and colleagues help make a real difference to people’s lives.

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary.
• Life assurance.
• Employee advice service, including counselling.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Voluntary health plans.
• Employee discounts.
• Well‑being support and tools.
• Employee recognition scheme.
• Staff networks that provide invaluable support to colleagues.

If you’re unsure about any details, have questions about the role or want to discuss a need for adjustments, our fantastic talent team will be happy to help you – prope For more information please visit  Closing Date: 16 February 2026. We reserve the right, depending on application numbers, to close or extend the closing date for positions; we therefore recommend an early application.

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.