Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens - Surrey - £40,000 - £45,000 + Benefits


Company:	Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
Salary:	£40,000 to £45,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Surrey, KT17
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	9 Sept 2026
Closing date:	8 Oct 2026

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Summary

Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens

The Job:

We are recruiting for an experienced Deputy Head of Grounds & Gardens to join the Grounds & Gardens team at a leading independent school. This is a key role with a particular focus on cricket and sports turf management, working closely with the Head of Grounds & Gardens to maintain the school's cricket facilities and wider sports pitches to an exceptionally high standard.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for cricket square preparation and maintenance, while also supporting the wider grounds, gardens and estate. You will supervise and develop members of the team, contribute to seasonal planning and deputise for the Head of Grounds & Gardens when required.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the preparation, maintenance and development of the school's cricket squares and outfields

- Plan and deliver cricket surface programmes including rolling, irrigation, nutrition, turf management and end of season renovations

- Monitor turf health and playing conditions, using soil analysis and performance data to continually improve pitch quality

- Oversee the maintenance of rugby, football and hockey pitches, including mowing, aeration, overseeding, top dressing, fertilising and irrigation

- Support the maintenance of lawns, ornamental planting, landscaped areas and wider estate grounds

- Supervise, organise and support the grounds and gardens team, including allocating workloads and assisting with staff development

- Work closely with cricket, sports and operational teams to ensure facilities are prepared for fixtures, tournaments and events

- Support machinery maintenance, procurement, stock control, health and safety and departmental planning

- Contribute to tree management, biodiversity and sustainable estate initiatives

- Deputise for the Head of Grounds & Gardens during periods of absence

The Company:

Our client is a leading independent school with extensive grounds and high quality sports facilities. The Grounds & Gardens team is responsible for maintaining a diverse estate, including championship level cricket facilities, sports pitches, landscaped gardens and wider school grounds. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sports turf or grounds professional to take on a senior position within a well-established team.

The Candidate:

- Recognised qualification in Sports Turf Management, Grounds Management, Horticulture or equivalent practical experience

- Significant experience in sports turf management, with strong knowledge of cricket square preparation and fine turf management

- Proven ability to prepare and maintain high-quality cricket wickets for competitive play

- Experience supervising or leading a team and allocating workloads effectively

- Good knowledge of wider sports pitch maintenance, horticulture and grounds presentation

- Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail

- Knowledge of health and safety requirements, with a flexible approach to supporting fixtures and events

- PA1, PA2 and PA6, BASIS/FACTS, irrigation or relevant machinery qualifications would be advantageous

- Full UK driving licence required

The Package:

- Salary £40,000 - £45,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience

- Hours: 45 hours per week during term time and 40 hours outside term time

- 28 days' holiday including bank holidays, increasing with length of service

- Pension scheme

- Private healthcare

- School fee discount

- Life assurance

- Free meals and refreshments during working hours

- nFree use of fitness facilities at certain times

- Free on site parking

- Ongoing training and professional development

Please email your CV to Alain Adorisio, Recruitment Delivery Consultant at AAdorisio@agriRS.co.uk.

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.

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About Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is a market-leading, specialist recruitment partner connecting top talent with leading organisations across the agriculture, farming, food and fresh produce, horticulture, environmental, and rural sectors.

Why Work With Us?

With deep industry knowledge and an extensive global network, we are uniquely positioned to connect high-calibre professionals with forward-thinking organisations. Our consultative approach ensures we deliver not just candidates, but long-term value.

Get in Touch

Visit www.agriRS.com or speak to our specialist team on +44 (0)1905 345 155 to find out more.

Connecting outstanding talent with leading organisations worldwide.

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