Deputy Head Grounds Person

Bedford School; Caulcott; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Caulcott is seeking a Deputy Head Grounds Person to lead the maintenance of sports pitches and grounds. You'll work closely with the Head Grounds Person, ensuring facilities are kept in exceptional condition all year round. This role demands proven grounds maintenance experience, a solid understanding of health and safety regulations, and the ability to motivate a team. Strong initiative and attention to detail are key to delivering outstanding sports facilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance, ideally in sports or educational settings.
• Knowledge of COSHH and safety regulations.
• Hands-on approach with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sports pitches and playing fields to high standards.
• Plan and deliver maintenance programmes.
• Deputise for the Head Grounds Person and lead the team.
• Train and motivate the grounds team.
• Liaise with sports staff for pitch usage.
• Contribute to special projects and events.

Skills

Proven experience in grounds maintenance

Understanding of health and safety regulations

Attention to detail

Ability to work collaboratively

Job description

As Deputy Head Grounds Person, you'll play a key role in ensuring our school's playing fields, sports pitches, and grounds are maintained to the highest standards. Working closely with the Head Grounds Person, you'll help lead a dedicated team, oversee maintenance programmes, and ensure our facilities are safe, secure, and ready for action all year round.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the upkeep of all sports pitches, playing fields, and grounds to exceptional standards.
• Support the planning and delivery of weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance programmes.
• Deputise for the Head Grounds Person when required, ensuring smooth operations and team leadership.
• Help train, develop, and motivate the grounds team, promoting best practices in health and safety.
• Liaise with sports staff to optimise pitch usage and presentation.
• Contribute to special projects and events, from high‑profile functions to winter snow plans.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grounds maintenance, preferably within a sports or educational environment.
• Solid understanding of health and safety regulations, including COSHH, and confidence in implementing best practices across all aspects of grounds care.
• Proactive, hands‑on approach combined with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively and take initiative when deputising for the Head Grounds Person.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and help us deliver outstanding sports facilities, we invite you to apply. Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applicants.

Application Process

Bedford School would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:
1. Interests and Co‑Curricular Activities: Please give details of any interests or skills that you could bring to The Harpur Trust for the purposes of co‑curricular and extra‑curricular activity.
2. Supporting Statement: Please give your reasons for applying for this post and say why you believe you are suitable for the position. Study the job description and person specification and describe any experience and skills you have gained in other jobs or similar environments which demonstrate your ability and aptitude to undertake the duties of the post. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.