Head of Grounds

Our 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.

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

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