Grounds Manager

Bradfield College; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Reading seeks a Grounds Manager to lead the teams responsible for maintaining its beautiful grounds and gardens. You will oversee the conservation efforts and enhance the natural landscapes while ensuring top-notch sports facilities for students and visitors. The role requires grounds management experience, horticulture knowledge, and familiarity with conservation areas. Applicants should possess relevant qualifications and demonstrate excellent leadership skills. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including a pension plan and subsidized sports memberships.

Benefits

Contributory workplace pension scheme and 3 x life cover

Subsidised membership of the College Sports Centre and Golf Club

Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

BHSF Health Cash plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Vehicle scheme

Free parking and lunch provided when the College kitchens are open

Qualifications

• Significant grounds management experience and horticulture knowledge.
• Ability to motivate and encourage staff.
• Capable of overseeing working schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the grounds and gardens teams at Bradfield College.
• Responsible for maintenance and conservation of external sports facilities.
• Develop seasonal and weather-dependent schedules of work.

Skills

Grounds management experience

Horticulture expertise

Knowledge of conservation areas

Proficiency in sports turf machinery

Health and safety understanding

Education

GMA Level 4 qualification or equivalent

IOSH Managing Safely

ILM Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

If you are an experienced grounds management professional, with a reputation for excellence, and thorough knowledge of practical and technical aspects of sports turf management, then this position offers an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role maintaining, conserving and enhancing the beautiful grounds and gardens of Bradfield College and St Andrew’s School.

The Role

As Grounds Manager, you will lead the grounds and gardens teams and play a vital role in shaping the visual and ecological character of Bradfield College's extensive grounds, which span over 280 acres and sit within a designated conservation area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

You will be responsible for the maintenance, conservation and enhancement of Bradfield College's external sports facilities, outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens and woodland areas, preserving the natural charm of the site and providing first class sports facilities in a tranquil and inspiring setting for pupils, staff, and visitors alike, aligning with Bradfield's ethos of respect for the environment and its role in community wellbeing.

Additional responsibilities will include the development of seasonal and weather dependent schedules of work, the monitoring and management/preservation of trees, in addition to managing grounds and gardens improvement projects and minimising the impact of maintenance activities on the environment to support our environmental sustainability goals.

About You

In addition to your garden management experience and horticulture expertise, you will also possess considerable knowledge of working in conservation areas and AONBs.

A GMA Level 4 qualification or equivalent, IOSH Managing Safely and ILM Level 3 or equivalent, are desirable qualifications for this role.

You will also have the ability to motivate and encourage staff and will be organised, methodical and used to overseeing working schedules. You will demonstrate an excellent understanding of health and safety and actively promote a positive culture towards it throughout your role.

Proficiency in the operation and maintenance of sports turf machinery is equally important.

You will also need to be capable of undertaking all aspects of grounds management and the physical challenges of the role.

Benefits of working at Bradfield College

• Contributory workplace pension scheme and 3 x life cover
• Subsidised membership of the College Sports Centre and Golf Club
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• BHSF Health Cash plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Vehicle scheme
• Free parking and lunch provided when the College kitchens are open

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

The closing date for applications is 8th February 2026.

Applications will be processed as they are received, and we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date.

Bradfield College reserves the right to make an appointment at any time, so early applications are encouraged.

If you have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR department at [e-mail]

Bradfield College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening as part of their application, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.