Senior Skilled Sports Turf Operative in Coventry

Reports to: Head of Grounds at the CBS Arena

Hours: 40 hours per week (including evenings, weekends and anti-social hours as required)

Join the Journey

Coventry City Football Club are looking to recruit a passionate and ambitious Senior Skilled Sports Turf Operative to join our Grounds team at the Coventry Building Society Arena. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and preparing the stadium pitch — the centre stage for first-team fixtures. As the club continues its exciting progression into the Premier League, there has never been a better time to join Coventry City Football Club. We are looking for someone who takes pride in producing elite‑level playing surfaces and who thrives in a high‑performance sporting environment.

Reporting directly to the Head of Grounds at the CBS Arena, the successful candidate will work within a dedicated team of 10 staff across three sites, helping to deliver and maintain exceptional standards across the stadium pitch and surrounding areas. Candidates should ideally have a minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in sports turf or grounds maintenance, with experience in professional football or elite sport considered advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise daily with the Head of Grounds and wider Grounds team
• Deputise for the Head of Grounds at the CBS Arena in their absence, managing two apprentices with confidence
• Prepare and maintain the stadium hybrid pitch to the highest professional standard, including:
• Grass cutting
• Line marking
• Re‑seeding
• Chemical spraying
• Fertiliser application
• Verti‑cutting
• Brushing
• Irrigation system control
• Apply frost sheets when required
• Carry out general maintenance of machinery and workshop equipment
• Ensure all tools and equipment are safely stored and maintained
• Maintain accurate statutory records and internal documentation relating to pitch maintenance
• Undertake horticultural and landscape maintenance around the stadium and surrounding areas where required
• Maintain up‑to‑date industry knowledge and best practice standards

Person Specification

Essential

• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture/Sports Turf or equivalent qualification
• PA spraying experience
• Good communication skills with the ability to follow instructions effectively
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Strong organisational skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
• Ability to multitask and prioritise workloads effectively
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf or equivalent qualification
• PA1/PA2/PA6A spraying qualifications or equivalent
• Experience working within professional football or elite sporting environments
• Experience maintaining Championship or Premier League standard pitches
• Ability to inspire colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture
• Commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practice

What We Can Offer

At CCFC, you’ll also benefit from access to unique experiences that only football can provide, from being part of matchday excitement to contributing to projects that inspire our fans and community. We’re committed to investing in your growth too, offering development opportunities to help you thrive in your role and shape your career with us. At CCFC, you won’t just find a job – you’ll find pride, purpose, and a team that feels like family.

Safeguarding

We are dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Our Club is committed to maintaining safer recruitment practices. An enhanced DBS check is mandatory for this role.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Coventry City FC proudly champions equal opportunity! We believe in fairness for all, ensuring our recruitment and selection practices respect every individual's unique background. We warmly invite applicants from every background, celebrating diversity in race, nationality, religion, gender, age, and ability.

Join the Sky Blue Army – shaping the future of Coventry City FC on and off the pitch.