At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the sports turf team to maintain elite playing surfaces.
- Company: Brighton Hove Albion FC, a top football club with a community spirit.
- Benefits: Free meals, 23 days holiday, gym access, and exclusive match ticket opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong values and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in elite sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sports and relevant pesticide certificates required.
Hours: Full time to include weekends
Location: American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, Lancing, BN15 9FP
Contract Type: Permanent
Deadline Day: 29th June 2026
About Brighton Hove Albion FC
We compete at the highest levels of football on a global stage while embracing our Sussex community spirit. At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to high performance, professional excellence, and making a positive impact.
Help the team lay the groundwork for elite success
You will lead and inspire the sports turf team at our training ground facilities, ensuring daily programmes are delivered efficiently and that all playing surfaces and surrounding areas consistently meet elite performance standards. Working closely with the Head of Sports Turf, you will turn strategic direction and pitch requirements into clear, practical work plans. You will also provide hands-on guidance, technical support and day-to-day instruction to help the team deliver work to a high standard with maximum efficiency.
Your background
We are looking for someone who has worked in an elite sports environment in a similar role and holds PA1, PA6, and PA2A pesticide certificates, and have achieved (or are working towards) a Level 3 qualification in sports turf management. Skills can be taught, but a genuine love for people is something you either have or don't. More than anything else, we are looking for a people-first champion, someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships and genuinely helping others develop.
Our values are essential to our success
Our values serve as guiding principles for how we connect with one another, our fans, partners and sponsors. As a club, we embody these values in everything we do:
- Treat People Well
- Exceed Expectations
- Aim High. Never Give Up
- Act with Integrity
- Make it Special
- Be Fan Focused
How we say thank you
In appreciation for your hard work and dedication, we are pleased to offer you a range of additional benefits, including but not limited to:
- Complimentary breakfast and lunch at both sites
- 23 days holiday rising with length of service (pro rata for part time staff)
- Rewards platform, which includes access to 900+ retailers, a wellbeing centre and more!
- Enhanced family policies
- Access to a gym and padel court at our training ground
- Priority access to match tickets and access to free WSL tickets for 2026/27 season
- In-house training programme and CPD opportunities
- Exclusive discounts and benefits from our partners and local businesses
Our commitment to EDI
We take pride in being an equal opportunity workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Our core values foster a strong ethical culture, enabling us to meet the needs of our diverse audience, both on and off the pitch. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact the team.
Safeguarding is part of everything we do
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is UK-based and requires proof of the right to live and work in the UK. All job offers are conditional upon background checks, including a full 3-year reference history, DBS checks, and verification of your eligibility to work. Please note, we do not sponsor applicants without the right to work in the UK.
Sports Turf Operations Manager employer: Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Brighton Hove Albion FC is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional excellence and community spirit, making it a rewarding place to work. Located at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values personal development, offers generous benefits such as complimentary meals, enhanced family policies, and access to training programmes, all while being part of a team that aims high and treats people well.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Turf Operations Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Turf Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
