Lead Groundskeeper: Create Stunning Grounds & Green Spaces

Recruit Genie; St Albans; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & Development

Wellbeing platform

Health care cash plan

Discounted food & beverage

Spa discounts

Refer a Friend bonus

Global staff rates

Staff meals & parking

Job summary

Sopwell House in Hertfordshire is seeking a proactive Head Groundsman to lead the Grounds Team, plan daily and seasonal tasks, and keep the estate looking exceptional. You will oversee lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, irrigation and safety compliance, working closely with Maintenance and hotel operations to deliver outstanding outdoor spaces year-round.

Experience in managing grounds teams, practical knowledge of estate maintenance, and a hands-on approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience leading, organising or supervising a grounds or gardening team.
• Strong practical knowledge of grounds maintenance including lawn care, hedge trimming, pruning, planting and estate upkeep.
• Hands-on approach with ability to plan and prioritise workloads while maintaining high standards.
• Experience using and maintaining grounds equipment and light machinery.
• Good knowledge of Health & Safety requirements and safe working practices including COSHH.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Grounds Team, ensuring daily and seasonal tasks are effectively planned, prioritised and completed to a high standard.
• Oversee the maintenance and presentation of the hotel grounds, including grass cutting, lawn care, hedge trimming, pruning and general grounds upkeep.
• Maintain ornamental beds, apartment gardens and planted containers, including seasonal planting, deadheading, weeding, staking, feeding and watering.
• Monitor the health of plants and trees, taking appropriate action to keep grounds healthy and well presented.
• Maintain the hotel pond and other water features and carry out regular checks of the irrigation system.
• Ensure pathways, car parks, hard surfaces and surrounding grounds are kept clean, tidy and free from litter, leaves and branches.
• Ensure grounds are prepared to a high standard for hotel events, working with Maintenance Team as required.
• Use and maintain grounds equipment safely (mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers), and store equipment securely.
• Maintain safe working practices, following Health & Safety and COSHH requirements, including seasonal duties like gritting and snow clearance when necessary.

Skills

Grounds management

Team leadership

Lawn care

Hedge trimming

Pruning

Planting

Health & Safety

COSHH

Mowers

Strimmers

Leaf blower

Tools

Mowers

Strimmers

Leaf blower

Job description

Sopwell House in Hertfordshire is seeking a proactive Head Groundsman to lead the Grounds Team, plan daily and seasonal tasks, and keep the estate looking exceptional. You will oversee lawn care, hedge trimming, planting, irrigation and safety compliance, working closely with Maintenance and hotel operations to deliver outstanding outdoor spaces year-round.

Experience in managing grounds teams, practical knowledge of estate maintenance, and a hands-on approach are essential.