Head of Grounds and Gardens

TBA; Epsom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Knight Education is seeking a Head of Grounds and Gardens for a leading independent school in Surrey, starting September or October 2026. This is a full‑time, permanent, on‑site role.

Lead cricket square preparation and fine turf management, oversee pitches and estate presentation, and coach the grounds team to deliver high‑quality cricket facilities. Essential to have a proven track record in sports turf and cricket wicket production, plus experience in annual maintenance planning and staff

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of cricket squares and outfields to support school and commercial cricket.
• Manage wider sport pitches, ornamental gardens, arboriculture, and estate presentation.
• Mentor staff, support recruitment and development, and deputise for the Head when absent.
• Provide technical leadership in cricket pitch preparation and turf management.

Skills

Cricket turf management

Cricket square prep

Fine turf management

Staff mentoring

Project planning

Job description

Head of Grounds and Gardens

Start Date: September or October 2026

Location: Surrey

Contract Term: Permanent

Salary: £40,000 - £45,000

A leading and thriving independent school in Surrey is seeking a 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