Head Greenkeeper - Newport (IW) Golf Club

Job Posted: 1 June 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: Competitive
• Industries: Agriculture & Farming Construction and Labour Horticulture

The Role

Newport (IW) Golf Club is seeking an experienced, passionate and forward-thinking Head Greenkeeper to lead the transformation and long-term development of our course and grounds.

This is a rare and rewarding opportunity for a driven individual who thrives on challenge and takes pride in progress. Newport is a club with genuine history, character and enormous untapped potential and we are at an exciting turning point.

We are honest: there is real work to be done. But for the right person, this is a chance to leave a meaningful mark on a course and community that is ready to grow.

The successful candidate will be someone who can see beyond the present, share our vision for what Newport can become and bring the expertise, energy and leadership to help us get there step by step, season by season.

The Opportunity

Newport Golf Club sits in a beautiful setting on the Isle of Wight and has a proud history in the local golfing community. The course has significant scope for improvement across turf quality, presentation, drainage and overall course conditioning and the club is committed to investing in its future.

This role offers the incoming Head Greenkeeper genuine influence over course development decisions, the chance to build and shape their team and the satisfaction of driving visible, lasting improvement over time. We are looking for a partner in this journey, not just an employee.

Key Responsibilities

•       Train, mentor and develop mmembers of the greenkeeping team fostering a positive and high-performance culture

•       Plan and oversee all aspects of course maintenance, renovation and presentation

•       Develop and implement a structured, multi-year course improvement programme

•       Manage turf care programmes, irrigation, drainage and machinery schedules

•       Monitor and maintain course health, aesthetics and playability throughout the seasons

•       Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations

•       Manage budgets and resources effectively, identifying value-for-money improvements

•       Identify and prioritise course improvement projects in line with the club's development vision

•       Maintain and enhance the course's natural landscape and ecological features

•       Liaise effectively with club management, committee, members and external contractors

•       Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, chemical usage and equipment

•       Prepare reports for club management on course conditions and project progress

•       Responsibility for maintaining and developing the club's machinery fleet and will play a key role in identifying future investment requirements

•       Reporting to Director of Course and Board Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility required during seasonal peak periods and for occasional weekend competitions and events.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who brings both competence and conviction, a greenkeeper who is as comfortable driving a team as they are driving a mower and who genuinely believes in the power of incremental improvement.

You will have:

•       Proven experience in a Head Greenkeeper or senior greenkeeping role

•       Strong technical knowledge of turf management, horticulture and course maintenance

•       Relevant industry qualifications (NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND, or equivalent preferred)

•       PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates

•       Experience managing and developing a small team

•       Excellent organisational and communication skills

•       A proactive, hands-on approach with the resilience to work through challenges

•       A genuine passion for course improvement and the patience to deliver it sustainably

•       The ability to work within budget constraints while maximising quality outcomes

What We Offer

A genuine opportunity to shape and improve a course with real potential

•       Collaborative and supportive club management team

•       Support for professional development and training

•       Company pension

•       Employee discount

How To Apply

To apply please submit the following in one combined document:

•       CV

•       A Short Portfolio:

-       Best Work: 3 photos with a short explanation on what you did and why on each

-       Problem & solution: 3 photos with a short explanation on what you spotted and how you fixed it on each