The Oratory Prep School (The OPS) is an independent day and boarding school providing an enriched education to boys and girls aged 2 to 13. Benefiting from being part of the wider Bellevue Education group, we are committed to delivering exceptional teaching; combining the best of tradition with the latest innovations. Set within 65 acres of Oxfordshire countryside with outstanding facilities, we nurture happy, balanced, confident and inquisitive children.

We are looking for someone to have responsibility for the production and maintenance of the highest standards of playing surfaces/gardens and facilities. You will need to demonstrate ‘hands on’ leadership with administrative and budgetary management responsibilities. The role be will be line-managed by the Business Manager, but will report ultimately to the Headmaster.

Job Description: General duties

To take full responsibility for the day to day running of sports grounds, gardens and facilities to meet the requirements of the Headmaster and the Bursar:.

Close Liaison with the Director of Sports to ensure that their requirements are met.
The establishment and direction of seasonal grounds maintenance schedules.
Ensure a safe external environment exists for pupils and staff, to include such aspects as tree assessment and management.
The provision and effective deployment of manpower, plant and machinery.
Ensure proper and cost-efficient procurement and maintenance of equipment through a combination of purchase, lease and hire and in-house and outsourced labour.
Seek to improve and introduce more efficient ways of working.
Manage and monitor a grounds budget covering labour resources (comprising two Grounds staff), grounds maintenance materials, external contractors, machinery, maintenance, purchase of new equipment and capital works.
Coordinate the negotiation, purchase, storage and control of all consumable materials and services in a cost-effective manner.
Maintain awareness of industry developments and propose how these will impact on the school.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of and ensure compliance with all relevant National and Local current legislation, i.e. health and safety, first aid, COSHH, environment management and employment to ensure compliance.
Offer innovative proposals to improve the facilities provided for the pupils.
Responsibility for the grounds is deemed to include:
General cleanliness
Fences and signage.
Maintaining pathways and other ‘unbounded’ areas and woodland.
Control of animals (pets and pests) and the general public’s access to the grounds in liaison with the Caretaker.
Parking, trespassers/security.
Develop the most efficient, effective and environmentally friendly methods of grounds waste disposal including composting away from public gaze.
Attend H&S committee meetings as required.
Liaise with the Bursar to provide sports grounds/facilities in the school holidays.
Snow/ice clearance of pathways and roads as required during the winter.
Day to day management and supervision of the grounds staff
Any other duty as required by the line manager (Bursar) and Headmaster, including working as part of the wider facilities team in liaison with the Maintenance Manager.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary - £24000-£27000
Meals are provided free of charge when on duty and when the school’s kitchen is open during school holiday periods;
5% Pension contribution with Scottish Widows
25 days holiday + public holidays
4 x salary Death in Service insurance benefit.
Swimming sessions in the school pool (free)
Generous pro-rata fee remission

This is a full-time, year round position. The successful candidate must be able to commit to working occasional weekends and late evenings as and when required.

The start date for this role is November 2024

APPLICATIONS

Please send your application together with a covering letter to Human Resources, The Oratory Prep School at humanresources@oratoryprep.co.uk.

The Oratory Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

EDI: Applications are welcome from all interested parties, including those who are in sympathy with an inclusive workplace.

Qualifications
- Strong background in groundskeeping
- Proficiency in landscape maintenance and mechanical knowledge
- Experience with hand tools, excavators, irrigation, and power tools
- Knowledge of construction, gardening, and horticulture
- Ability to perform maintenance tasks effectively
- Certifications in relevant areas are required

Please visit oratoryprep.co.uk news/vacancies to download an application.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £24,000.00-£27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Discounted or free food
On-site parking

Schedule:

Day shift

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 06/12/2024

Oratory Prep School

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