At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the grounds team to maintain top-tier pitches and estate environments for elite athletes.
- Company: Join a professional football club dedicated to excellence and high performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sports by ensuring optimal playing conditions for athletes.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for innovation and sustainability initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This role requires the post holder to operate at the highest level to ensure all club pitches and estate environments are maintained in optimum condition throughout the full playing season. This requires excellent planning, use of modern technology, and close coordination with key stakeholders.
Organisation Responsibilities
- Continually work towards the organisation’s corporate strategic goals.
- Communicate, promote and protect the organisation’s values to enhance an elite high-performance environment.
- Attend relevant professional development events and actively engage in a personal development plan and integrated appraisal process.
- Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, paying regard to Equal Opportunity, Dignity at Work, Health & Safety, and security policies.
- Develop and establish the organisation’s grounds management strategy, engaging stakeholders to ensure full buy-in.
- Identify KPIs and ensure the team achieves these consistently.
Core Responsibilities / Accountabilities
- Lead the grounds team to achieve all objectives and deliver top-tier standard pitches and grounds.
- Work with the executive team to design and deliver the club’s pitch strategy.
- Manage the grounds and estate budget to ensure financial targets are met and efficiency opportunities are realised.
- Develop and maintain a five-year equipment management plan to support pitch optimisation.
- Develop and maintain a technology strategy for pitch management.
- Research and implement best practice in the management of all pitches.
- Contribute to the organisation’s sustainability objectives and lead on the grounds-related aspects.
- Work with relevant leagues/competition organisers to ensure all competitive games can take place, providing early warning where issues exist.
- Inspire and motivate the grounds team through strong and innovative leadership.
- Ensure the external estate environment at the Training Ground and Stadium is of high quality and provides a welcoming environment where elite athletes can thrive.
- Responsible for ensuring all staff comply with the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
Person Specification
- Experienced leader in grounds management within a professional football environment.
- Strong leadership qualities.
- Collaborative, with a track record of delivering a first-class grounds strategy.
- Strong planning and coordination skills.
- Qualified in Grounds Management to Level 3 minimum (or equivalent).
- Open-minded and cooperative.
- Ability to work across organisational boundaries and with multiple stakeholders.
- Strong technology skills.
- Ability to network across the league and beyond.
Head of Grounds & Estate (Ref: 195110) employer: Forsyth Barnes
Contact Detail:
Forsyth Barnes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Grounds & Estate (Ref: 195110)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, attend events, and connect with key stakeholders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on grounds management and technology strategies. This will demonstrate your passion and knowledge, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to clubs or organisations you’re interested in and express your enthusiasm for their work. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Make sure to keep an eye on our listings and submit your application directly to increase your chances of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Grounds & Estate (Ref: 195110)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in grounds management, especially in a football environment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Grounds & Estate, strong leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your past experiences leading teams and achieving objectives. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate, so share those success stories!
Highlight Your Tech Savvy: We value modern technology in pitch management, so be sure to mention any relevant tech skills or tools you’ve used in your previous roles. This will show us that you’re up-to-date and ready to implement innovative solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our club and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forsyth Barnes
✨Know Your Grounds
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in grounds management. Research the club’s current pitch strategies and be ready to discuss how you can enhance them. Showing that you understand their specific needs will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as this role requires strong leadership qualities to manage the grounds team effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach collaboration with key stakeholders like the Director of Football. Be ready to discuss your strategies for engaging them and ensuring buy-in for your grounds management plans. This shows you’re not just a doer but also a strategic thinker.
✨Align with Sustainability Goals
Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s sustainability objectives and think about how you can contribute to them through grounds management. Discussing innovative ideas for sustainable practices will demonstrate your commitment to the club's values and long-term vision.