Deputy Head Groundskeeper in Birmingham

Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise. With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation, and is playing its part in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England’s second city as part of the Sports Quarter project. With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success — on and off the pitch. The journey we’re on involves strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing heavily in the people, processes and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Deputy Head Groundskeeper to play a key role in maintaining the stadium pitch and supporting the delivery of exceptional playing surfaces.

The Grounds team plays a critical role in ensuring that the Club’s playing surfaces meet the highest professional standards. Responsible for the maintenance and preparation of the stadium pitch and surrounding areas, the department works closely with football operations, coaching staff and external contractors to ensure surfaces are match-ready for fixtures across the Club. Operating in a fast-paced elite sporting environment, the team combines technical expertise, precision planning and a strong work ethic to deliver outstanding pitch quality throughout the season.

The Deputy Head Groundskeeper will support the Head Grounds / Stadium Manager in the maintenance, preparation and ongoing development of the stadium pitch at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. The role involves assisting in the day-to-day management of the grounds team, maintaining professional sports turf standards and ensuring the playing surface is prepared for both men’s and women’s fixtures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the maintenance and preparation of the stadium pitch and surrounding areas
• Leading the grounds team and managing daily work schedules in the absence of the Head Grounds / Stadium Manager
• Preparing and recovering the pitch for men’s and women’s matchdays
• Operating and managing pitch grow lighting rigs and undersoil heating systems
• Maintaining the 3G pitch surrounds and other stadium turf areas
• Managing machinery maintenance contracts and liaising with specialist contractors
• Monitoring weather conditions and implementing appropriate pitch care strategies
• Maintaining accurate records of pitch maintenance including fertiliser applications, aeration and disease prevention
• Monitoring stock levels of pitch-related products and supplies
• Ensuring machinery registers and service records remain fully up to date
• Maintaining goals, dugouts and associated pitch equipment
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations at all times

This role requires flexibility, including weekend working aligned to the Club’s fixture schedule.

About the Person

We are looking for a motivated and experienced grounds professional with a strong work ethic and a passion for maintaining elite-level playing surfaces. You will have:

• A recognised qualification in Amenity Horticulture, Sports Turf Maintenance, Turf Science or Sports Ground Management (or equivalent experience with at least 5 years in a groundskeeping role)
• Proven experience maintaining professional sports turf
• A strong understanding of health and safety legislation
• Experience supervising staff or leading teams in a grounds environment
• Excellent organisation and communication skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A hands-on approach and the ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced sporting environment
• A professional, dependable and approachable manner

Desirable qualifications include pesticide application certificates (PA1, PA2, PA6) and experience working specifically with football pitches.

The Benefits of Being Blues

At Birmingham City Football Club, we put people at the heart of everything we do. When you join the Club, you become part of the Blues family — and that comes with a range of benefits designed to support you both inside and outside of work.

• Matchday Tickets
• Blues Store Discount
• Life Assurance
• Volunteering Day
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Voucher
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Help@Hand

Safeguarding

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals within our care is paramount, and all staff are expected to share and uphold this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and will be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the recruitment and induction process.

EDI

Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities. We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.