Head Groundsperson: Racecourse Grounds & Turf Lead

Hereford Racecourse; Hereford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual passes

Discounted food

Cycle to work

Holiday allowance 28 days

Life assurance

Bonus schemes

Study support

Job summary

Hereford Racecourse is seeking a passionate Head Groundsperson to maintain a high-quality racing surface year-round and oversee the broader racecourse presentation. You will lead a grounds team, manage turf care, fences, and infrastructure, and support on race days and events.

The role requires proven leadership, turf experience, machinery knowledge, and strong health, safety and budget planning abilities. You will work closely with the Clerk of the Course to ensure safety, reliability and

Qualifications

• Experience of leading, supervising and developing a Grounds Team.
• Experience of maintaining and preparing a racing surface or similar sports surface.
• Strong knowledge of grounds maintenance, machinery and equipment.
• The ability to monitor weather conditions and take preventive/remedial action.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage maintenance programmes and budgets.
• A proactive approach to health, safety and environmental management.
• A keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and manage permanent and casual groundstaff, including rotas, training and health and safety.
• Oversee all aspects of racecourse preparation and turf management, including mowing, irrigation, fertilising, repairs and track maintenance.
• Manage the preparation and maintenance of fences, hurdles, running rails and raceday infrastructure.
• Monitor course conditions and weather forecasts, providing timely going reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Maintain the wider racecourse estate to a high standard, including lawns, gardens, Parade Ring, horsewalks, stable yards and car parks.
• Ensure stable hygiene, waste disposal and BHAGI compliance requirements are met.
• Maintain machinery, equipment, irrigation and drainage systems in safe working order.
• Manage groundskeeping materials, supplies, storage areas and expenditure within agreed budgets.
• Ensure risk assessments, health and safety procedures and maintenance records are kept up to date.
• Work closely with the Clerk of the Course and wider management team to support the effective running of the racecourse and estate.

Skills

Grounds leadership

Turf management

Machinery knowledge

Weather monitoring

Budgeting & planning

Health & safety

Attention to detail

Job description

Hereford Racecourse is seeking a passionate Head Groundsperson to maintain a high-quality racing surface year-round and oversee the broader racecourse presentation. You will lead a grounds team, manage turf care, fences, and infrastructure, and support on race days and events.

The role requires proven leadership, turf experience, machinery knowledge, and strong health, safety and budget planning abilities. You will work closely with the Clerk of the Course to ensure safety, reliability and