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- Tasks: Provide expert advice on natural and artificial pitch development and maintenance.
- Company: Join the Irish Football Association in enhancing football facilities across Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on impactful projects with community significance.
- Other info: Engage directly with grant recipients and contribute to the future of football.
- Why this job: Make a difference in football by ensuring pitches meet high standards and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in pitch consultancy and knowledge of football facility standards required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Irish Football Association (Irish FA) supports the development of football facilities across Northern Ireland through investment, assistance and technical guidance.
1. Introduction
The Irish FA is committed to improving the quality, consistency and sustainability of football pitches through its facility funding programmes. Achieving this requires high quality technical advice to support clubs and organisations through increasingly complex design, construction and maintenance requirements. The Irish FA is therefore seeking to identify an experienced natural and artificial pitch consultant to support organisations in receipt of Irish FA facility grants throughout 2026-2027.
2. Purpose
The primary objective of this RFP is to identify a suitably qualified consultant to provide independent technical advice and guidance to Irish FA facility grantees delivering:
- New natural turf and artificial pitch developments
- Refurbishment, replacement or upgrading of existing pitches
The consultant will help ensure projects:
- Meet appropriate technical, safety and performance standards
- Deliver long term value and sustainability
- Are fit for purpose for community and football use
The approved consultant will be engaged directly by facility grantees, with no contractual relationship with the Irish FA.
3. Scope of Services
The approved consultant may be required to provide support across the project lifecycle, including but not limited to:
- Assessment and Planning
- Site assessments and feasibility studies
- Advice on project readiness, risks and constraints
- Design and Specification
- Technical advice on natural turf and artificial pitch design
- Specifications for drainage, irrigation, shockpads and performance systems
- Preparation or review of tender and technical documentation
- Advice on compliance with FIFA, UEFA and other relevant standards
- Construction and Installation
- Site visits and quality assurance inspections
- Verification of works against specification
- Written reporting to grantees (with copies provided to the Irish FA)
- Maintenance and Sustainability
- Development of pitch maintenance programmes
- Advice on sustainable construction and maintenance practices
- Guidance on regulatory developments, including preparation for the EU microplastics ban (2031)
The Irish FA will:
- Assess experience, qualifications and technical capability
- Approve a consultant as a recommended provider for Irish FA funded projects
- Set expectations for quality standards, reporting and professional conduct
- Publish guidance for grantees on engaging the approved consultant
Approved consultants will:
- Operate independently of the Irish FA
- Be engaged directly by individual grant recipients
- Apply the agreed approach consistently across Irish FA funded projects
- Acknowledge that approval does not guarantee any volume of work
4. Submission
RFP should include:
- Company profile and relevant experience
- Approach and methodology for addressing the scope of work.
- Case studies of similar projects, including references.
- Team professional qualifications and key personnel.
- Proposed timeline and budget estimates for services 1 – 4 (above) for natural turf and artificial pitch projects and enhanced natural turf maintenance programme
5. Evaluation Criteria
The proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance and depth of experience.
- Understanding of football facilities development and challenges.
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed approach.
- Value for money.
- References and testimonials.
6. Submission Guidelines
Proposals should be submitted by May 5th 2026. The Irish FA reserves the right not to approve any consultant and does not guarantee any level of future engagement.
Approved Natural and Artificial Pitch Consultant in Belfast employer: Irish Football Association (IFA)
Contact Detail:
Irish Football Association (IFA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Approved Natural and Artificial Pitch Consultant in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football facilities world. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential clients or collaborators. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and successes in pitch consultancy. Use visuals, case studies, and testimonials to demonstrate your skills. This will make you stand out when chatting with potential clients or during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to organisations that might benefit from your services. A well-timed email or call can open doors that you didn’t even know existed. Plus, it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your proposals. Plus, it ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. So, don’t miss out – get your application in and let’s make some great pitches together!
We think you need these skills to ace Approved Natural and Artificial Pitch Consultant in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We want to see how you've tackled similar projects before, so don’t hold back on those case studies and references!
Be Clear and Concise: When outlining your approach and methodology, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about how you’ll meet the requirements.
Tailor Your Proposal: Customise your application to fit the specific needs of the Irish FA. We’re looking for consultants who understand the unique challenges of football facilities, so make sure your proposal reflects that.
Submit Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your proposal through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the right process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irish Football Association (IFA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the technical aspects of natural and artificial pitches. Understand the latest standards from FIFA and UEFA, as well as sustainable practices in pitch maintenance. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also up-to-date with industry trends.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail. Bring case studies that highlight your experience with pitch assessments, design specifications, and maintenance programmes. Be ready to explain how your contributions led to successful outcomes, especially in terms of quality and sustainability.
✨Ask Smart Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the Irish FA’s goals and challenges. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their expectations better. It’s a great way to show that you’re thinking critically about how you can add value.
✨Be Professional Yet Approachable
While it’s important to maintain professionalism, being approachable can set you apart. Show your personality and passion for football facilities development. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can work well with various stakeholders, so a friendly attitude can go a long way!