Stadium MK is a 30,530-seat multi‑purpose venue in Milton Keynes, home to MK Dons Football Club. Since opening in 2007, the stadium has become a leading destination for sport, events, and hospitality.
The site also includes the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, a 304‑bedroom hotel, and Arena MK, a versatile space hosting conferences, exhibitions, and live events. Together, these facilities create a dynamic and fast‑paced environment offering a wide range of experiences for guests and clients alike.
Grounds Team Leader
Are you an experienced grounds professional with a passion for creating top‑class playing surfaces? Do you want to play a key role in maintaining the facilities at Milton Keynes Dons FC and be part of a high‑performance sporting environment?
We are seeking a Grounds Team Leader to join our team and lead the day‑to‑day maintenance and presentation of our pitches and training surfaces.
You will play a key role in ensuring all playing surfaces meet the highest standards for performance, safety, and presentation, while supporting and developing the grounds team.
Key Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Head of Grounds and Estates, you will be responsible for leading the maintenance, preparation and presentation of all training surfaces and matchday pitches.
- Ensuring pitches meet required regulatory, operational and performance standards.
- Managing and leading the grounds team in daily operations.
- Supporting the development of less experienced staff through training and on‑the‑job guidance.
- Promoting best practice in sports turf maintenance and grounds operations.
- Operating and maintaining grounds machinery safely and effectively.
- Communicating effectively with coaching staff and the Head of Grounds regarding pitch conditions, requirements and maintenance planning.
- Ensuring all work is carried out in line with health and safety procedures and safe operating systems.
About You
- Has several years’ experience in sports grounds maintenance or similar environment.
- Has experience supervising or leading a team.
- Possesses strong knowledge of sports turf management and grounds maintenance techniques.
- Is competent in the use of grounds machinery (e.g. pedestrian mowers, tractors, aerators).
- Demonstrates strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- Has a proactive, positive approach to maintaining high standards.
- Understands health and safety regulations and best practice within grounds management.
Desirable (but not essential)
- Level 2 qualification in Sports Turf Maintenance or equivalent.
- Tractor driving certification.
What We Offer
- A leadership role in a dynamic, high‑performance sporting environment.
- The opportunity to directly impact the quality of elite playing surfaces.
- A competitive salary with performance‑based incentives.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for development and progression within the organisation.
Grounds Team Leader Milton Keynes Dons FC employer: Kick it Out
Kick It Out is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive work culture where passion for sport meets personal development. As a Football Education Coach, you will not only enjoy a competitive salary and generous annual leave but also have the unique opportunity to inspire and mentor young people in South London, making a meaningful impact in their lives. With a focus on growth and community engagement, this role offers a rewarding experience for those looking to contribute to youth development through football.
