Head Groundsman

Woodard Schools (Nottinghamshire) Ltd; Worksop; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Worksop is seeking a Head of Grounds to manage and maintain school grounds and sports pitches. You will lead a team to ensure high-quality playing surfaces and a safe environment while managing budgets and resources. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and knowledge of health and safety regulations. This position offers an attractive benefits package including fee concessions for children and access to on-site facilities.

Benefits

Fee concessions for children

Workplace pension scheme

Access to gym, sports hall and swimming pool

Free meals when on duty

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grounds management or related fields.
• Strong leadership skills to manage a team effectively.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in groundskeeping.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain school grounds and sports pitches.
• Coordinate the workload of the grounds team.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Oversee grounds budgets and resource management.

Skills

Grounds Management

Team Leadership

Health & Safety Compliance

Financial Management

Job description

Overview

Location: Nottinghamshire, UK

Salary: £30,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Patterns: Full-Time

Application Deadline: Sunday, 1st March 2026

About Us

Worksop College and Ranby House; one community set across two schools - educating children from age two to eighteen. We're proud of being a broad-ability school with a focus firmly on progress, recognising that every child has their own set of skills and abilities, whether it be academic, sporting, musical or otherwise. We believe that education is about more than the flight towards academic success, but about human flourishing. We want our students to be the very best version of themselves. If they are destined to attend an established University, here is where they will flourish, or if they are an outstanding sportsperson, here is where they will hone their skills. Perhaps they are a talented artist or musician, here is where theyd perfect their craft, but if these talents are yet to be revealed, here is where theyll be discovered. We are a remarkable school, in a stunning setting, with exceptional facilities and a talented teaching staff. At our school, what matters is the individual, their aspirations and their future.

Job Description

The Head of Grounds will autonomously manage, develop, and maintain all school grounds, sports pitches and external areas across Worksop College and Ranby House. The post holder will ensure high-quality playing surfaces, safe grounds, and an attractive school environment through effective planning, maintenance, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Grounds & Sports Surface Management
• Liaise with Estates Manager, Head of Sport, and Prep School leadership to plan grounds preparation for sports fixtures and events.
• Mark and over-mark pitches for cricket, rugby, football and other sporting activities.
• Maintain optimal playing quality and grass care standards across all sports surfaces.
• Manage and maintain artificial playing surfaces.
• Ensure formal school gardens are planted and maintained to a high standard.
• Maintain roads, paths and external areas, ensuring safety during snow, ice, leaf fall and other hazards.
• Team Leadership & Management
• Lead and coordinate the workload of the grounds team.
• Ensure all staff are fully trained and aware of safe working practices.
• Conduct annual performance reviews, maintain attendance records and oversee daily operations.
• Promote high standards of professionalism, uniform, and conduct among the team.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all staff comply with Health & Safety regulations and complete risk assessments.
• Oversee safe use, handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and pesticides.
• Ensure safe working practices and appropriate use of PPE.
• Investigate and report accidents and near misses.
• Supervise contractors to ensure compliance with Health & Safety standards.
• Financial & Resource Management
• Manage annual grounds budgets effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Maintain accurate stock control of materials, equipment and machinery.
• Participate in capital replacement planning and project development.
• General Duties
• Undertake a full range of groundskeeping tasks as required.
• Assist with emergency responses, such as flooding or adverse weather.
• Support the setup of school events and activities.
• Escort contractors and visitors as needed.
• Maintain a proactive approach to site security and appearance.

Benefits

Working at Worksop and Ranby House is as much about a lifestyle choice as it is about pursuing a satisfying career path. We have high expectations of our staff and reward with an attractive benefits package, which includes:

• Fee concessions for your children
• Workplace pension scheme
• Access to gym, sports hall and swimming pool
• Free meals provided when on duty
• Free onsite parking

You may also have experience in the following: Head of Grounds, Grounds Manager, Senior Groundskeeper, Sports Turf Manager, Head Groundsman, Estates Grounds Manager, Grounds & Facilities Manager, Sports Grounds Manager, Turf & Grounds Manager, School Grounds Manager, Grounds Maintenance Manager, Estates & Grounds Supervisor, Grounds Operations Manager, Horticultural & Grounds Manager, Facilities & Grounds Manager