At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain world-class pitches for Leicester City Football Club and support matchday preparations.
- Company: Join the iconic Leicester City Football Club and be part of a passionate team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free parking, subsidised meals, and up to 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible hours required, including evenings and weekends, in a dynamic outdoor environment.
- Why this job: Turn your love for sports into a career and see your work on the pitch!
- Qualifications: Experience in sports turf maintenance and strong teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 12.6 - 15.4 £ per hour.
Leicester City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk of harm, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Location: Leicester City Football Club Training Ground, Seagrave
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Department: Grounds
Working Pattern: Includes evenings, weekends and matchdays as required
Turn your passion for elite sports surfaces into a career at one of football's most iconic clubs. Leicester City Football Club is looking for a Skilled Sports Turf Operative to join our Grounds team and play a key role in maintaining world-class playing surfaces at the King Power Stadium and our training facilities. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced grounds professional to work within a high-performance environment, helping to deliver exceptional pitches for first-team training, matchdays, academy football and club events. If you take pride in producing outstanding playing surfaces and enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
Reporting to the Pitch Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day maintenance and presentation of our pitches, ensuring they meet the highest professional standards throughout the season. No two days are the same. From preparing pitches for matchdays and training sessions to operating specialist grounds machinery and supporting turf improvement projects, you'll play an important role in delivering surfaces that perform at the very highest level.
What You'll Be Doing
- Pitch Maintenance
- Carry out daily pitch maintenance including mowing, line marking, edging and presentation work.
- Support seasonal turf management programmes, including aeration, scarification and topdressing.
- Assist with the application of fertilisers and plant protection products.
- Monitor pitch condition and identify any issues relating to wear, disease or drainage.
- Equipment & Machinery
- Safely operate a range of professional groundskeeping equipment and machinery.
- Conduct routine equipment checks, maintenance and minor repairs.
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
- Matchday & Training Support
- Assist with pitch preparation for matches, training sessions and Club events.
- Work closely with the Grounds team to deliver consistently high standards across all playing surfaces.
- Support ongoing pitch improvement projects and maintenance programmes.
- Health & Safety
- Follow all health and safety procedures and best practice guidance.
- Use PPE appropriately and maintain a safe working environment.
- Report any hazards or concerns promptly.
- Continuous Development
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in sports turf management.
- Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute ideas and innovations to improve pitch quality and operational efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience
- Experience within sports turf maintenance, groundskeeping or a similar environment.
- Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
- Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
- A proactive approach with the ability to work independently when required.
Desirable
- Qualification or certification in Sports Turf Management, Horticulture or a related discipline.
- Experience working within a professional sports environment.
- Knowledge of both natural and synthetic pitch maintenance.
Who You Are
You’re passionate about sports turf, take pride in your work and enjoy seeing the results of your efforts on some of the most visible surfaces in professional sport. You’re reliable, hardworking and willing to go the extra mile to help the team deliver excellence every day.
Working with Leicester City Football Club
This role is primarily outdoors and will involve working in a variety of weather conditions. Due to the nature of elite sport, flexibility is essential, including the ability to work evenings, weekends and around matchday schedules. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to work within a professional football environment, develop your skills alongside experienced industry professionals and contribute directly to the success of Leicester City Football Club.
About The Club
Leicester City Football Club has a rich and proud history – we’re more than just a football club; we’re a community. Formed in 1884, we’ve achieved incredible milestones, including becoming Premier League champions in 2016 and winning the FA Cup in 2021. Our commitment to the local community, fans, and world‑class experiences extends beyond the pitch. With the opening of our new state‑of‑the‑art training ground in 2021, we continue to invest in our growth and success. Our team at Leicester City is more than just colleagues – we invite you to join our Club and experience the exciting opportunities of a life in the football industry!
Benefits Package
Our people are the lifeblood of the Club, and we feel should be rewarded as such – we offer a competitive salary, pension scheme and life assurance for all permanent employees. You’ll enjoy free onsite parking, access to our subsidised staff restaurants and up to 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) amongst a host of other great employee benefits!
One City. One Club. One Leicester. Leicester City Football Club believes that football is for all, and we are committed to Diversity and Inclusion, where valuing the individual is our highest priority. We are working to see equality across all areas of the Club and welcome applications from all areas of the community. If you have any requirements in regard to the recruitment process, please let us know; we are happy to support your needs.
Skilled Sports Turf Operative in Leicester employer: Leicester City FC
Leicester City Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the iconic King Power Stadium. With a strong emphasis on employee development and a culture of teamwork, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to the club's success. The unique opportunity to be part of a passionate community and engage in exciting matchday operations makes this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Sports Turf Operative in Leicester
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Sports Turf Operative in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Leicester City FC's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Leicester City FC. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicester City FC
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Leicester City FC.
