Head Groundsman/Groundsperson

Head Groundsman/Groundsperson

Location: Surbiton, Surrey

Salary: Competitive

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 8:00am, Wednesday 8 June 2022

Interview date to be confirmed

Job Purpose: The post holder will be responsible for the supporting in the facilities management of the sports pitches, grounds, gardens and woodland and the associated grounds-related contracts to ensure the effective operation of our large School. The needs of the School will require a flexible approach to shift work, including some work at weekends. The premises are open primarily in term-times, however there are holiday clubs open throughout the year. The school activities also involve regular lettings of grounds facilities. 

Tenure: Permanent, full-time 

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday on a shift basis, including split shifts   

Some weekend and evening work is required 

Context 

Surbiton High School has eleven sites:  The main Senior School; Mary Bennett House; a purpose built Sixth Form; the Girls’ Preparatory School; Boys’ Preparatory School (2 buildings); Surbiton Assembly Rooms and a thirty-three acre Sports Ground at nearby Hinchley Wood; Oaken Lane Sports Ground; the Boat House on the River Thames and the Staff House 

Key Responsibilities: 

General:  

• To be responsible for ensuring that the grounds team provide first class playing surfaces, sports pitches and other grounds areas at all times.  
• To manage the production, preparation, maintenance, supervision and day to day co-ordination of playing surfaces for sports and all other recreational areas to the highest recognised industry standards.  
• The cost effective delivery of grounds-related services across Surbiton High School with due regard to time, financial and compliance pressures.  
• Planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating all grounds-related work (e.g. playing fields, landscaping and sports facilities development projects) across the school site.  
• To ensure the efficient maintenance and availability of grounds-related resources at the School, including but not limited to:
      
  • Playing surfaces and School gardens and grounds;  
  • Project development and construction activities;  
  • Property or structures across the site;  
  • Grounds-related machinery, equipment and materials; and Irrigation systems.    
• To recommend and guide the School’s leadership team and those responsible for the sporting co-curricular programme on the most appropriate use of the playing fields and other grounds within the School.  
• To liaise with the Director of Sport and Heads of Sport to ensure their requirements are met. 

Budget Management and Procurement:  

• To prepare, propose, manage and monitor a grounds management budget, which incorporates labour resources, ground maintenance materials, external contractors’ costs, machinery maintenance, purchase of new equipment, and capital works.  
• To prioritise grounds-related spending and to determine which work can be deferred if required.  
• To co-ordinate the negotiation, purchase, storage and control of all consumable materials, equipment and services in a cost-effective manner.  
• To ensure the availability of supplies, particularly emergency materials for adverse weather conditions.
  

Operational:  

• To maintain appropriate awareness of grounds industry developments and to inform senior staff of how these might affect Surbiton High School.  
• To ensure compliance with all relevant national and local regulations, including but not limited to the following: Health and Safety, First Aid, COSHH, environment management and employment. 

Staff:  

• To lead, motivate and develop the Grounds team to achieve their tasks, work schedules and objectives; to encourage maximum commitment and efficient service at all times.  
• To supervise contract staff who are conducting grounds-related work on school sites.  
• To assist in the administration of grounds staff induction, probationary periods and performance reviews.  
• To encourage the continuing professional development of all members of the Grounds team. 

Responsibilities specific to being a member of the Facilities Team:  

• To cover and assist the general maintenance and caretaking team in other areas of the School in adverse weather conditions, during the School holidays, and on other occasions when directed.  
• To co-ordinate on-site car parking requirements during the School week and for agreed weekend events.  
• To maintain and test the fire alarms.  
• To act as one of the deputy fire panel controllers in the absence of the Head of Facilities. (N.B. Appropriate training is provided). 

Security Accountabilities:  

• To ensure the shutdown and security of School outbuildings at the end of the working day during term time and Half Term holiday periods.  
• To ensure that any security lapses or issues identified during the daily shutdown process are formally reported to the Line Manager on the same day.  
• To assist with general site security matters as required and determined by the Line Manager. 

For the full Job Description and Person Specification Please see the attached document

To Apply:

Please apply online by clicking on the following:

https://unitedlearning.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/2690587?cid=1567 

For any queries relating to the role or your application, please email recruitment@surbitonhigh.com

Surbiton High School is culturally diverse and are fully committed to celebrating, respecting and learning about inclusion and diversity throughout the community.

Surbiton High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

 Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint at any stage during the recruitment process.