Deputy Head of Grounds and Gardens

shangang Keji Industrial CO LTD; Epsom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Knight Education is recruiting a Deputy Head of Grounds and Gardens for a leading independent school in Surrey, starting September or October 2026. This full-time, permanent role oversees cricket squares/outfields and broader estate presentation to ensure high-quality turf and landscaped areas.

You will lead cricket turf provision, fine turf management, arboriculture and garden maintenance, while mentoring staff and coordinating workloads, recruitment, and development in a collaborative setting.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in sports turf management, with cricket turf expertise.
• Proven track record in producing high-quality cricket wickets for competitive play.
• Experience planning and delivering annual cricket maintenance and renovation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of cricket squares and outfields and support school cricket operations.
• Manage cricket pitches, ornamental gardens, arboriculture and estate presentation.
• Provide technical leadership in cricket pitch preparation and fine turf management.
• Develop the team’s cricket knowledge through coaching and practical guidance.
• Mentor staff, support recruitment and development, and deputise for the Head as needed.

Skills

Sports turf management

Cricket square preparation

Fine turf management

Cricket coaching

Staff mentoring

Job description

Role

Deputy Head of Grounds and Gardens

Start Date

September or October 2026

Location

Surrey

Contract Term

Permanent

Salary

£40,000 - £45,000

About the role

A leading and thriving independent school in Surrey is seeking a Deputy Head of Grounds and Gardens from September or October 2026. This is a full time and permanent position.

Working closely with the Head of Grounds and Gardens, the post holder leads the delivery of high-quality cricket squares and outfields to support school and commercial cricket, while also contributing to the management of wider sports pitches, ornamental gardens, arboriculture and estate presentation. Cricket performance and development form a substantial part of the role, making it a great opportunity for an experienced sports turf professional.

The post holder supports the Head of Grounds and Gardens in the day-to-day management of the Department, including allocating workloads, maintaining standards of presentation, mentoring staff, supporting recruitment and development, deputising in the Head of Grounds and Gardens absence and attending relevant operational meetings. The role is heavily focused on leading all aspects of the School's cricket turf provision including technical leadership in cricket pitch preparation and fine turf management and developing the wider team’s cricket knowledge through coaching and practical guidance.

As such, it is essential that applicants have significant experience in sports turf management, with particular expertise in cricket square preparation and fine turf management. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of producing high-quality cricket wickets for competitive play, together with experience in planning and delivering annual cricket maintenance and renovation programmes.

Knight Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for the post must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and an enhanced DBS check