Operations Manager – Commercial Grounds Maintenance
Bring Structure, Energy and Leadership to Durban
Durban Landscaping & Garden Maintenance is growing, and we're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to join our leadership team and work closely with our General Manager and Director to help keep our crews, contracts and clients running smoothly.
We look after a diverse portfolio of commercial sites across Melbourne, including aviation, healthcare, education, retail and facilities management environments.
This is not a role for someone who wants to sit behind a desk all day.
We're looking for someone who likes being across the action — checking in with crews, visiting sites, solving problems, keeping things organised and making sure our clients are getting the standard of service Durban is known for.
And from time to time, that may mean jumping on a tractor, ride‐on mower or other piece of equipment yourself to keep operations moving. We're looking for someone who leads from the front and is happy to roll up their sleeves when the situation calls for it.
What the Role Looks Like
Working closely with Durban's General Manager, you'll play a key role in the day‐to‐day operations of the business.
You'll be helping coordinate our crews, keep contracts on track, manage client expectations and make sure the right people, equipment and resources are in the right place at the right time.
Some days you'll be out on sites, some days you'll be speaking with clients and some days you'll be planning ahead to make sure the next week runs smoothly.
No two days will be exactly the same.
What You'll Be Doing
Overseeing the day‐to‐day delivery of our commercial grounds maintenance contracts.
Coordinating multiple field crews across Melbourne.
Working closely with the General Manager on scheduling, labour and resource planning.
Visiting sites regularly and checking presentation, quality and contract requirements.
Making sure scheduled and reactive works are completed on time.
Keeping crews informed, organised and clear on what needs to be achieved.
Building strong relationships with clients, facility managers and stakeholders.
Attending site meetings, client walkthroughs and contract reviews.
Monitoring service frequencies, scopes of work, KPIs and client expectations.
Identifying problems before they turn into bigger problems.
Managing staff performance, attendance, productivity and quality.
Helping manage labour utilisation, overtime and operational efficiency.
Supporting recruitment,



onboarding and training of new team members.
Making sure our vehicles, machinery, equipment and depots are being looked after.
Driving strong safety, quality and environmental standards across the business.
Ensuring SWMS, JSEAs, pre‐starts, toolbox talks and site documentation are completed properly.
Keeping reporting, photos, inspections and site records up to date.
Supporting the mobilisation of new contracts as Durban continues to grow.
Working with the General Manager and Director on ways we can continue to improve how we operate.
Stepping into the field when needed — including operating a tractor, ride‐on mower or other equipment to help keep the day moving and support the team.
You'll Need to Be Comfortable With Technology
This is an important part of the role.
You will need to be confident and proficient using a laptop, phone and technology as part of your everyday work.
We're looking for someone who is comfortable using:
Email and Google Drive programs.
Online portals and client systems.
Scheduling and workforce management software.
Digital forms, reports and checklists.
Safety and compliance platforms.
Photos and site reporting apps.
Spreadsheets and basic operational data.
Online meetings and communication platforms.
You don't need to be an IT expert, but you do need to be someone who can pick up new systems quickly and doesn't avoid technology.
If you're still asking someone else to send your emails or upload your reports, this probably isn't the role for you.
About You
You'll ideally come from a background in:
Commercial grounds maintenance
Landscaping
Horticulture
Facilities management
Arboriculture
Or another multi‐site field service business
More importantly, you'll be someone who can lead people, organise an operation and get things done.
You will ideally have:
Experience managing multiple field‐based crews.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent organisational and scheduling ability.
Confidence dealing directly with commercial clients.
Strong problem‐solving skills.
A practical and level‐headed approach.




The ability to manage competing priorities.
A robust understanding of workplace safety.
Confidence holding people accountable when required.
Strong computer and technology skills.
Practical confidence around grounds maintenance machinery and a willingness to jump in and help when required.
Grounds maintenance or landscaping experience would be a big advantage, but we're also open to strong Operations Managers from similar industries who understand how to manage people, clients and field‐based service delivery.
The Type of Person We Want
We're looking for someone who:
Takes ownership.
Communicates clearly.
Doesn't walk past a problem.
Is organised and follows through.
Can have a laugh but knows when it's time to get things done.
Builds good relationships with crews and clients.
Can make decisions without needing every little thing escalated.
Is comfortable jumping between site visits, phone calls, emails, scheduling and problem‐solving.
Is just as comfortable behind a laptop as they are getting out on site and jumping on a mower if needed.
Likes improving systems rather than accepting "that's how we've always done it."
Takes pride in delivering a great result.
When something goes wrong, we want someone who thinks:
"How are we going to fix this?"
not:
"That's not my problem."
What Durban Offers
A senior role within a growing commercial grounds maintenance business.
The opportunity to work directly with Durban's General Manager and Director.
Plenty of variety — this is definitely not a boring desk job.
A diverse portfolio of major commercial clients and sites.
A supportive and approachable leadership team.
Company vehicle.
Laptop.
Uniform and required PPE.
Ongoing training and development.
Autonomy and the opportunity to make the role your own.
Genuine career growth as Durban continues to expand.
A workplace that values quality, accountability, teamwork and having a bit of fun along the way.
Why Join Durban?
We've grown quickly because we care about our clients, our people and the standard of work we put our name to.
As the business continues to expand, we want to bring in an Operations Manager who can work closely with our General Manager and Director and become a key part of the next stage of Durban's growth.
If you're a strong operator, enjoy leading people, love solving problems and want a role where you can actually make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Operations Manager – Commercial Grounds Maintenance (Melbourne)
🏢 DURBAN LANDSCAPING AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE
📍 Melbourne