Head Groundsman

Location: Worksop College and Ranby House, Nottinghamshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: 30,000
Closing Date: 26 December 2025

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 they'd perfect their craft, but if these talents are yet to be revealed, here is where they'll 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.

About the Role

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

Other Requirements

Other reasonable tasks may be assigned by the Headmaster, in alignment with the role
The role may evolve to meet changing school needs

Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Compliance

All staff must comply with Health & Safety procedures and complete required training
All accidents and near misses must be recorded
All applicants are subject to full safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974)
Worksop College is an equal opportunities employer

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 have experience in the following: Grounds Manager, Head Greenkeeper, Sports Turf Manager, Estates Grounds Supervisor, Groundskeeper, Grounds Maintenance Manager, Sports Grounds Manager, Turf Care Specialist, Grounds Supervisor, Head Gardener, etc.

REF-(Apply online only)