Full job descriptionOur client, a well-established organisation based in Slough, is seeking an experienced Head of Grounds for a permanent, full-time, site-based position.
This hands-on role will lead a small grounds team and oversee the planning, preparation and maintenance of sports pitches, gardens, landscaped areas and wider outdoor facilities.
The position offers a salary of £35,000–£45,000 per annum. The normal hours are Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 4.30pm, with Saturdays worked on a rota during term time. Early morning and occasional weekend working will also be required to support sporting fixtures and events.
Key Duties:
*Leading, supervising and motivating the grounds team, setting clear standards for workmanship, productivity, presentation and conduct.
*Allocating daily and weekly workloads, prioritising resources and arranging appropriate staffing cover.
*Monitoring performance, identifying development needs and supporting the training of team members.
*Implementing annual and ad hoc grounds programmes while developing short, medium and long-term maintenance plans.
*Prioritising routine and reactive work according to operational needs, sporting activities, events and seasonal conditions.
*Preparing and maintaining cricket, rugby, football and athletics surfaces through mowing, scarifying, spiking, rolling, seeding, top-dressing, fertilising, spraying, watering and line marking.
*Maintaining and setting up associated sports equipment, assessing when full pitch renovation is required and obtaining quotations for approved work.
*Caring for gardens, planted areas, lawns, trees, hedges, fencing, boundaries, pathways, play areas, drainage and irrigation systems.
*Liaising with colleagues regarding pitch use, timings and event requirements, while providing updates on planned work, maintenance needs and weather-related issues.
*Inspecting grounds, trees, pathways, sports facilities and associated infrastructure, reporting hazards and addressing maintenance issues proactively.
*Preparing risk assessments and method statements and ensuring work complies with relevant legislation, policies and safe working procedures.
*Maintaining records relating to inspections, treatments, COSHH, pesticide use, equipment, repairs, servicing and staff training.
*Ensuring fertilisers, pesticides, fuel, machinery and other grounds materials are stored, handled and used safely.
*Managing the safe operation, availability and maintenance of machinery, vehicles, tools and equipment, including statutory inspections and replacement recommendations.
*Managing contractors and specialist suppliers, reviewing quotations, supporting procurement and monitoring the safety, quality and value of external work.
*Coordinating specialist services involving turf renovation, irrigation, drainage, tree care and other grounds projects.
*Supporting budget planning and capital improvement programmes while controlling expenditure and using machinery and resources efficiently.
*Promoting sustainable grounds management through responsible water use, reduced reliance on chemicals and fuel, biodiversity improvements, habitat creation and appropriate planting.
*Supporting site events with grounds preparation, clear-down and parking arrangements, as well as seasonal duties such as snow clearance.
*Maintaining positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors, suppliers and members of the wider community.
*Keeping knowledge of sports turf, horticulture, grounds management and relevant legislation up to date.
*Undertaking other reasonable duties appropriate to the responsibilities and seniority of the position.
The successful candidate will have:
*A good standard of general education, including GCSE or O level qualifications.
*A minimum of 5 years’ experience in sports grounds management or turf care.
*Proven team leadership experience, with the ability to train, develop, motivate and share good practice with others.
*Strong knowledge of preparing and maintaining cricket, rugby, football and athletics surfaces.
*Practical experience of maintaining gardens, planted areas, trees, hedges, fencing and site boundaries.
*Excellent planning and organisational skills, including workload prioritisation, delegation and the management of routine and reactive work.
*A sound understanding of health and safety standards, procedures and safe working practices.
*Experience of managing departmental budgets and controlling expenditure.
*Confidence working with contractors and suppliers.
*Basic IT skills for planning, communication and record-keeping.
*Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
*A proactive approach to problem-solving, together with the ability to work independently.
*The physical capability to manage a demanding, hands-on workload.
*Excellent attention to detail and a reliable, consistent, trustworthy and diligent approach.
*A full, clean and current driving licence.
Desirable Experience:
*An NVQ Level 2 or above in Sports Turf Management, horticulture or a similar subject.
*A recognised professional grounds management qualification or equivalent.
*PA1, PA2 and PA6 chemical spraying certificates.
*Experience of operating and maintaining irrigation systems.
Benefits:
*5 weeks’ paid holiday (25 days), plus Bank Holidays.
*Contributory pension scheme.
*Employee Assistance Programme.
*Uniform provided.
*Supportive working environment.
Additional Information:
*The preferred start date is as soon as possible.
*The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding checks.