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- Tasks: Manage and enhance beautiful grounds, including sports pitches and gardens.
- Company: Canford School, a leading co-educational school in stunning Dorset parkland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in a vibrant educational setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds management or expertise in sports or arboriculture.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary: in the region of A GBP 45,000 - A GBP 50,000 pa, depending on skills and experience
Location: Wimborne Minster
Nestled in 250 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland, Canford School is one of the leading co-educational boarding and day schools in the UK educating some 660 pupils aged 13-18. With a commanding reputation built on excellent academic achievement, breadth of education and a fresh lively approach, Canford also offers a superb sports and co-curricular programme which is seen as amongst the best in the independent sector.
The recent announcement of the creation of the Canford Schools Group and the merger with Dumpton School heralds a bold new phase in Canford's evolution, with several further partnerships anticipated.
Reporting to the Director of Estates, the Grounds and Gardens Manager is directly responsible for delivering all the school's grounds maintenance and improvements, including sports pitches, formal gardens, a golf course, and a large historic tree collection. The Manager leads four in-house grounds trade teams, and various external specialist contractors and suppliers. They are ultimately responsible for determining the requirements and managing the execution of all planned and reactive grounds maintenance work, preparation, improvements and inspection/testing regimes, and will also assist the Director of Estates with other capital and alteration projects which impact on the grounds and trees as required.
Successful applicants should have experience of professional grounds management within a school or educational campus environment, be a professional head of grounds extensively experienced within a school or educational campus environment, or be a professional with an expertise in specialist sports (such as golf) or arboriculture.
Closing date: Sunday 15th March 2026
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Canford School, please proceed through the following link to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.
Grounds and Gardens Manager employer: TipTopJob
Contact Detail:
TipTopJob Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds and Gardens Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the grounds management field or related industries. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect role for you, especially at places like Canford School.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with sports pitches or historic tree collections, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring it up when chatting with potential employers or during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to schools or organisations you’re interested in, like Canford School, and express your enthusiasm for working with them.
✨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 opportunity and keen to be part of the Canford community.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds and Gardens Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in grounds management, especially in educational settings. We want to see how your skills align with what Canford School is looking for!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for grounds and gardens shine through! Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your love for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. We appreciate a genuine passion for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your previous roles and responsibilities. We want to easily understand your experience without wading through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the provided link to our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific grounds and gardens at Canford School. Research their sports pitches, formal gardens, and historic tree collection. Being able to discuss these areas in detail will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in grounds management, especially within educational environments. Discuss any projects you've led or improvements you've implemented that align with what Canford is looking for.
✨Team Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading teams, be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you manage both in-house teams and external contractors. Share examples of how you've successfully coordinated projects and maintained high standards in grounds maintenance.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Since the role involves child protection and safety, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in grounds management. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you have that demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding.