Head of Grounds and Gardens

The Boarding Schools' Association; Epsom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Epsom is seeking a Head of Grounds and Gardens to lead the management and enhancement of its stunning 85 acres of grounds. The role requires a hands-on leader with expertise in sports turf management and a passion for sustainability. Responsibilities include managing external contractors, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and developing a long-term outdoor sports facilities plan. Ideal candidates will have qualifications in sports turf or horticulture and experience in a school environment.

Qualifications

• Passionate, hands-on leader with expertise in sports turf management.
• Experience in a school or educational environment preferred.
• Confident working with industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic relationship with outsourced grounds provider.
• Ensure safe systems of work are documented.
• Design and deliver a 5–10 year Outdoor Sports Facilities Plan.

Skills

Leadership in grounds management

Contract and supplier management

Sports turf expertise

Sustainability commitment

Education

GMA/IOG Level 3–5

HNC/HND in Sports Turf or Horticulture

Job description

Epsom College is a co-educational day and boarding school with approximately 1150 pupils aged 11‑18. The College is located approximately one mile from Epsom town, below the Epsom Downs, in fine buildings set in a beautiful tree‑filled estate of some 85 acres. Originally founded by The Royal Medical Benevolent Foundation, today the College strives to develop the individual talents of every girl and boy.

The Post

Epsom College is offering a rare opportunity to lead and transform 85 acres of stunning grounds into a benchmark of excellence. As Head of Grounds and Gardens, you’ll take full ownership of preparation, performance and projects from concept to completion, elevating elite sports facilities, formal gardens, and ecological spaces while driving sustainability and innovation.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone passionate about working outdoors, delivering world‑class sports surfaces, and championing cutting‑edge turf management. You’ll collaborate with top sports professionals and position Epsom College as a hub for elite performance.

If you want to make a lasting impact and lead the way in sustainable grounds management, this is your moment.

Accountabilities

On a day‑to‑day basis accountable to the Director of Campus Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead, develop and advise on the strategic relationship with Commercial Grounds Care (our outsourced grounds provider) and manage contract KPIs and SLAs.
• When required, provide day‑to‑day leadership to any Grounds and Gardens staff.
• Manage all external contractors on‑site including permits, site induction and safeguarding.
• Ensure safe systems of work are in place and documented including RAMS, COSHH, PUWER, manual handling, noise/vibration, plant competence, chemical/fuel storage, and spill response.
• Support academic, alumni, and commercial events including setup and reinstatement; liaise with Lettings regarding availability, facilities, and standards.
• Lead the College’s severe weather response plans.

Sports Turf and Gardens Standards

• Ensure all natural turf and artificial surfaces are prepared, maintained, and renovated to meet sport‑specific standards and align with the academic and fixtures calendar (rugby, football, hockey, cricket, athletics, etc.).
• Lead the development and enhancement of ornamental and ecological areas, ensuring they are safe, biodiverse, visually impactful and contribute to a long‑term vision for the College.
• Maintain a live risk register and Estate improvement plan including health and safety documentation, environmental compliance, and safeguarding boundaries including benchmark quality against GMA Performance Quality Standards.

Strategy and Development

• In conjunction with the Directors of Campus Operations and Sport, design and deliver the development of a 5–10 year Outdoor Sports Facilities Plan, including capacity analysis, usage modelling, condition baselines, lifecycle planning, pitch preparation and recovery and capital investment cases.
• Set and manage operational and capital budgets for grounds and gardens; procure machinery (where necessary), materials, and services in line with financial controls.

What we are looking for

• A passionate, hands‑on leader with deep expertise in sports turf and grounds management. (e.g., GMA/IOG Level 3–5, HNC/HND in Sports Turf or Horticulture).
• Experienced within a school or educational environment would be a big plus.
• Skilled in contract and supplier management.
• Confident working with industry standards (GMA PQS, SAPCA, Sport England, ECB TS4, PA1/PA2/PA6 certification or willingness to obtain).
• Calm, organised, and highly capable in a dynamic, seasonal environment.
• Committed to sustainability, biodiversity, and continuous improvement.
• Practical, resilient, and at home working outdoors in all conditions.