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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, especially in educational or sports environments.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community committed to safeguarding and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Salary: in the region of £45,000 - £50,000 pa, depending on skills and experience
Location: Wimborne Minster
About Canford School: 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.
Role and Responsibilities: 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.
Qualifications:
- Experience of professional grounds management within a school or educational campus environment
- Professional head of grounds with extensive experience within a school or educational campus environment
- Professional with expertise in specialist sports (such as golf) or arboriculture
Closing Date: Sunday 15th March 2026
Application: 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/Job:Vacancies. Please apply as soon as possible: applications will be considered as they are received.
Equal Opportunity: Canford School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Safeguarding: 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 in Wimborne Minster employer: TipTopJob
Contact Detail:
TipTopJob Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds and Gardens Manager in Wimborne Minster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the grounds management field, especially those who have experience in educational environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of past projects or achievements, bring it along to interviews. Visuals can really help us understand your expertise in managing grounds and gardens.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching Canford School’s grounds and gardens. Knowing their specific needs and challenges will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds and Gardens Manager in Wimborne Minster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Grounds and Gardens Manager role. Highlight your experience in grounds management, especially in educational settings, and any specific skills related to sports pitches or arboriculture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about grounds management and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Canford School. Don’t forget to mention your leadership experience with teams!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in managing grounds maintenance and improvements. Include specific examples of projects you've led or been involved in that relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered as soon as possible!
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 experience in grounds management, especially within educational environments. Highlight any projects you've led or improvements you've implemented that align with the responsibilities of the Grounds and Gardens Manager.
✨Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading in-house teams and working with external contractors, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision for its grounds and gardens. Inquire about upcoming projects or challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career aspirations.