Pitch Manager

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and more than 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired and supported by the voluntary efforts of its members, the GAA is focused on the development and promotion of Gaelic Games and culture nationally and in local communities.

Home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium is Ireland’s foremost sporting and entertainment venue. Over 1,500,000 visitors are welcomed annually to national and international events and the Croke Park campus also features Croke Park Meetings & Events and GAA Museum & Tours.

Role Description

An opportunity now arises for the role of Pitch Manager to perform a key function in the delivery, maintenance and development of the Stadium Pitch & grounds facilities, together with grounds at the National Games & Development Centre as well as the Killougher Turf Farm

Principle Accountabilities: 

• The successful growth of the stadium turf and management of grass, especially shaded areas with use of supplementary lights to ensure consistency throughout.
• The operation and management of modern pitch management equipment.
• The management of natural as well as hybrid turf systems.
• Responsible for successful Pitch presentation to the highest international standards.
• Will work hand in glove with the stadium appointed pitch consultants to deliver a high performing, aesthetically pleasing turf surface to meet a range of predefined parameters of playability, mapped with regular performance testing.
• Responsible for maintaining and delivering the annual Op Ex and CAP Ex budgets in conjunction with stadium Operations and Finance.
• Responsible for ensuring the administration of spend is in line with the agreed budgets, ensuring any CAP Ex spend or scheduling is agreed by all parties in advance of any orders.
• Maintaining existing relationships and contracts, ensuring always a professional approach.
• Responsible to rostering and managing a team of grounds personnel including 3 senior Ground persons.
• Responsible for Dept administration and HR support.
• The rostering and administration of safe and accurate fertiliser and chemical application using modern equipment.
• The operation of forced air vacuum systems (Subair, FAVVS, or ISASS).
• The operation of undersoil heating system.

• Responsibility for staff engagement in terms of education and training on agreed new procedures and policies.
• To maintain good working relationships and communication with other Departments and stakeholders alike.
• Management of contractors, including insurance and compliance with house rules.
• Responsibility for the scheduling of maintenance and repairs of pitch equipment.
• Responsibility for the organisation and maintenance and housekeeping of the pitch store spaces.

• Growing the success of the Turf farm, with particular focus on the sale of Hyrid Turf within Ireland and abroad.

• Assist in facilities management, including day to day checks, maintenance and repair logs, projects, and sustainability duties as required.
• Compliance with relevant Health & Safety standards and regulations. Assist H&S Officer with IMS audits. Undergo Health & Safety training as required.
• Work with the stadium Sustainability Manger in ensuring compliance as well as achieving efficiencies where possible regarding ISO standards and process development.
• Managing sustainability & environmental activities at each of the grounds relative to the Pitch team remit.
• To undertake any other such projects or responsibilities as may reasonably be deemed appropriate by his/her manager.

Other Requirements:

• The role holder will need to be flexible in the performance of his/her responsibilities as he/she will be required to work at weekends for major events.
• The stadium is committed to ongoing development of staff and the successful candidate may be encouraged to partake in additional training or education. Suitable direction and support will be provided to the successful candidate in this regard.

Essential Skills:

• A third level degree in a relevant area (Minimum Level 7 NFQ).
• At least 3 years previous experience working in a similar role or environment. 
• Full clean driving licence including categories W, B & BE
• Competent administrative and IT skills with exceptional attention to detail and efficiency at keeping records.
• A strong understanding and knowledge of agronomy and hybrid turf systems. 
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Proven organisational skills and demonstrable ability to effectively managing multiple projects and people, with a hands-on approach to getting things done.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrably strong ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to manage and operate with a budget.

Desirable Qualities:

• Post-Graduate degree and/or relevant experience working in any of the following areas: Agronomy, Health & Safety, Facilities Management, Project Management. 
• Experience of ISO standards and auditing.

 To apply

Candidates interested in the above role can apply by submitting an up-to-date cover letter and CV  on or before 5PM on Friday the 17th April 2026.