At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance a stunning 150-acre estate, shaping the environment for children's learning.
- Company: Independent Prep School in Tonbridge, Kent with a focus on high standards.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, pension, free meals during term time, and access to school facilities.
- Other info: Join a stable team and thrive in a dynamic, rewarding environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership, make a visible impact, and enjoy a hands-on role in a vibrant school setting.
- Qualifications: Solid grounds experience, sports pitch management, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a unique Head of Grounds & Gardens role, responsible for a 150-acre estate set around a stunning historic building. The site brings together sports pitches, parkland, gardens and woodland into one of the most distinctive prep school environments you'll come across.
It's not just about maintaining it. It's about shaping a place that plays a real part in how children learn, develop and enjoy their time at school, because here, the environment genuinely matters.
This is a working Head role. You'll lead the team, plan the work and raise standards, but you'll still be out there, hands-on. Not a desk job, and not a step away from the tools.
The foundations are strong. There is an experienced Estates lead, a capable team and a well-kept site. What's missing is someone to take ownership day-to-day and move things forward.
The role has real variety. You might be checking pitch conditions ahead of fixtures in the morning, on machinery mid-day, and planning improvements across the estate in the afternoon. Across the week, you'll oversee pitch preparation, introduce smarter ways of working, and bring more structure and direction to the team.
You won't be blocked from improving things. You'll be expected to.
You'll lead a small, established team who know the site but need direction, not micromanagement. This is a live school environment, so you'll work around the rhythm of the day and be involved in daily car parking operations.
In return, you get a stable, well-run environment, a long-standing team, and a setting you can genuinely take pride in, with benefits including pension, free meals during term time, and access to school facilities.
You'll need solid grounds experience, sports pitches, machinery and turf care, and the ability to lead from the front in a practical, no-nonsense way.
Interested? Let's have a chat. You don't need a perfectly polished CV to start the process, just get in touch in confidence.
Locations
Head of Grounds & Gardens in Norfolk, Norwich employer: Sielo Search
As the Head of Grounds & Gardens at our Independent Prep School in Tonbridge, Kent, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic work culture that values your expertise and leadership. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer a unique opportunity to shape a beautiful 150-acre estate while enjoying great benefits such as pension contributions, free meals during term time, and access to school facilities. Join us in creating an inspiring environment for children to learn and grow, where your hands-on approach and innovative ideas will make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds & Gardens in Norfolk, Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work in similar roles or at the school you're eyeing. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for grounds and gardens! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your ideas on how to improve their estate. This shows initiative and that you're already thinking about how to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be hands-on during interviews! If you get a tour of the grounds, ask questions about the maintenance processes and suggest improvements. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also your eagerness to jump right in.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role and want to be part of our community. Don’t hesitate, let’s get you started!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds & Gardens in Norfolk, Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for grounds and gardens. Share your experiences and what makes you tick in this field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Head of Grounds & Gardens role. Highlight your hands-on experience with sports pitches, machinery, and turf care. We love seeing how you've led teams and improved environments!
Show Your Vision:In your application, share your ideas on how you would shape our stunning 150-acre estate. We’re looking for someone who can bring fresh perspectives and improvements, so don’t hold back on your vision for the grounds and gardens!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to get your application and ensures it lands in the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sielo Search
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific grounds and gardens of the school. Research the types of sports pitches, parkland, and gardens they have. Being able to discuss how you would maintain and improve these areas will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach. Since this role involves leading a small team, think of examples where you've successfully directed a team without micromanaging. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others while being hands-on.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in grounds management and how you overcame them. This could include issues with machinery, turf care, or team dynamics. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills will be key to showing you can handle the variety of tasks in this role.
✨Connect with the School's Values
Understand the school's ethos and how the environment impacts children's learning and development. Be prepared to share your thoughts on how you can contribute to creating a positive and engaging outdoor space that enhances the students' experience.
