Training Ground Pitch Manager

Job Summary and Objectives:

Primarily based at the Training Ground, the overall objective of the role is to assist the senior
management team with managing the day-to-day operations of the site, driving the team’s
performance and developing strategic planning to produce high quality playing surfaces for all the
different usages at the Training Ground.

Reporting directly to the Grounds Manager the Training Ground Pitch Manager will maintain and
prepare the various playing surfaces both Elite and Academy to an excellent standard with attention
to detail.

The Training Ground Pitch Manager will line manage a small team of ground staff at the training
ground. The role includes planning, organising workloads, allocating duties, monitoring work related
performances with adherence to all related health and safety circumstances.

Act as necessary where inclement weather or other factors are predicted to ensure that training and
matches can proceed using all available resources including frost protection, gritting, salt spreading,
snow clearing, drainage measures or any other additional action required to ensure training ground
activities go ahead on schedule. This may also involve actions in relation to public areas to ensure the
safety of visitors and supporters.

The Training Ground Pitch Manager will also be able to advise on improvements to the playing surface
with an ability to advise on and direct the work of end of season renovations and to supervise other
seasonal specialised sports ground contractors working on the training ground pitch playing surfaces.

Key Responsibilities:

1. To be responsible for all aspects of preparing and maintaining a works programme to ensure
the training ground pitches play and performs to the highest standard whilst ensuring a good
visual appearance.
2. To lead and motivate a small team of ground staff and oversee the processes that support the
grounds maintenance programmes, setting and delivering quality, excellence and safety for
all employees, playing staff and visitors to the training ground.
3. To safely operate and maintain the service requirements of all pitch maintenance equipment
including mowing machines, spraying equipment, goals, nets and all other related pitch
maintenance equipment such as the pitch lighting rigs, the Irrigation system (Pumps and
sprinkler pop-ups) and the undersoil heating system i.e. Boilers and boiler control systems.
4. To scope all maintenance tasks and maintenance programs, undertaking the work personally
and / or coordinating and supervising others to deliver timely completions.
5. Act as necessary where inclement weather or other factors are predicted to ensure that
training and matches can proceed using all available resources including frost protection,
Page | 2
gritting, salt spreading, snow clearing, drainage measures or any other additional action
required to ensure training ground activities go ahead on schedule. This may also involve
actions in relation to public areas to ensure the safety of visitors and supporters.
6. To supervise a rolling monthly rota for the grounds team at the training ground.
7. To prepare an annual report with proposals and timetable of suggested works, with regular
updates, in respect of pitch renovations at the training ground and in line with the agreed
annual budget.
8. To liaise weekly with all interested users in respect of seasonal fixtures and other commercial
events and programs deemed beneficial to the club and the training ground.
9. To maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of all working areas.
10. To deliver the safe use, storage, correct calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar
chemicals and take corrective action wherever and whenever necessary.
11. To maintain accurate records of all processes including but not limited to fertilizer
applications, surface aeration and fungicide treatments.
12. To ensure the machinery register and service records are kept fully up to date.
13. Liaise with external suppliers, contractors including but not limited to plant, machinery
maintenance, pitch irrigation and annual renovation programmes.
14. To conduct and record basic risk assessments relevant to departmental work, make
recommendations and be able to respond to emergencies.
15. To carry out all duties in accordance with all relevant company policies including but not
exclusive to the Health and Safety at Work Act, Safeguarding Policy, Diversity and Equality
Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy and confidentiality regarding both the Data Protection Act
and the club’s social media Policy.
16. To actively contribute to the creation of a high-performance environment by ensuring all
duties are completed with pride, consistency and to the best of your ability.
17. To attend all relevant educational and CPD programmes as directed by the Group, Club and
or the EFL and FA.
18. Any other reasonable ad hoc duties as requested by the Grounds Manager.

Person Specification:

Qualifications
The job holder must meet the minimum criteria established by the EFL and defined for a Grade 1
Elite Level. These currently are either one of: -
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Foundation Degree.
• Higher National Diploma.
• Level 3 Professional Diploma in Turf Surface Management.
• GMA Level 3 Management Short Course.
The job holder must also commit to attending at least one EFL organised CPD event each season.
• Full Driving Licence.
• Pesticides Application PA1, 2,
• Membership of the GMA (Grounds Management Association)

Experience
• Successful track record of sports ground management delivery. Minimum 5 - 8 years.
• Working on a variety of playing sports turf surfaces, including knowledge and maintenance of
Desso / Hybrid / Fibres and synthetic surfaces.
Page | 3
• Full understanding of automatic irrigation and undersoil heating systems.
• Evidence of a customer focussed approach to the management of all internal and external
working relationships.
• Working on own initiative.
• Setting targets.
• Monitoring outcomes achieving results and working towards a process of continuous
improvement.
• Managing a team of full time and casual match day staff.

Skills
• Possessing communication skills that are clear, engaging, and responsive.
• Good IT literacy and use of Word / Excel.
• Budget planning and management.
• Ability to work effectively and safely, whilst working both independently and as part of a team.

Personal Qualities
• The capacity to carry out a physically demanding job role in all seasonal weather conditions
and extremes.
• Able to work weekends and unsocial hours.
• Highly motivated and taking pride in standards and expectations of themselves and the role.
• Demonstration of a clear sense of purpose to drive action and inspire innovation amongst
staff.
• Setting and meeting clear targets and managing staff to achieve high performance outcomes.
• Planning to achieve fixed deadlines and problem-solving skills, to ensure priorities are met.