Pitch Manager (Groundskeeping) in Hounslow

Based primarily at the Training Ground, the Academy Pitch Manager assists the senior management team in running the day-to-day operations of the site, driving the team's performance and developing strategic plans to produce high-quality playing surfaces for all uses of the Training Ground.

Reporting directly to the Grounds Manager, the postholder will maintain and prepare Academy pitches to an excellent standard with close attention to detail and may also be required to assist with the Elite Pitches.

The Pitch Manager will be responsible for the maintenance and improvement of elite playing and training surfaces, support sporting operations, supervise seasonal specialist sports ground contractors and support end-of-season renovation works.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for all aspects of preparing and maintaining a works programme so that the Training Ground pitches play and perform to the highest standard while retaining a good visual appearance.
• Lead and motivate a small team of ground staff, overseeing the processes that support the grounds maintenance programme and setting and delivering quality, excellence and safety for all employees, playing staff and visitors to the Training Ground.
• Safely operate and maintain all pitch maintenance equipment, including mowing machines, spraying equipment, goals, nets, pitch lighting rigs, the irrigation system (pumps and sprinkler pop-ups) and the undersoil heating system (boilers and boiler control systems).
• Scope all maintenance tasks and programmes, carrying out work personally and/or coordinating and supervising others to ensure timely completion.
• Act as necessary where inclement weather or other factors may affect training or matches, using all available resources – including frost protection, gritting, salt spreading, snow clearing and drainage measures – to ensure Training Ground activities proceed on schedule.

This may also include action in public areas to protect the safety of visitors and supporters.

• Conduct pitch performance testing as scheduled by the clubs operations staff.
• Maintain the gardening areas and flower beds.
• Prepare an annual report proposing a timetable of pitch renovation works at the Training Ground, in line with the agreed annual budget, with regular progress updates.
• Liaise weekly with all interested users regarding seasonal fixtures and other commercial events and programmes that benefit the Club and the Training Ground.
• Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of all working areas.
• Ensure the safe use, storage, correct calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar chemicals, taking corrective action wherever necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of all processes, including but not limited to fertiliser applications, surface aeration and fungicide treatments.
• Ensure the machinery register and service records are kept fully up to date.
• Liaise with external suppliers and contractors, including but not limited to plant and machinery maintenance, pitch irrigation and annual renovation programmes.
• Conduct and record basic risk assessments relevant to departmental work, make recommendations, and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with relevant Club policies.
• Actively contribute to a high-performance environment by carrying out all duties with pride, consistency and to the best of your ability.
• Attend all relevant educational and CPD programmes as directed by the Group, the Club and/or the EFL and FA.
• Carry out any other reasonable ad hoc duties as requested by the Grounds Manager.

Qualifications

In addition, the postholder must hold or be working towards

• Level 3 Professional Diploma in Turf Surface Management, or equivalent (or working towards)
• A full UK driving licence
• Pesticide Application certificates PA1 and PA2
• Membership of the Grounds Management Association (GMA)
• A commitment to attending at least one EFL-organised CPD event each season

Experience

• A successful track record of sports ground management delivery
• Experience working with a variety of playing surfaces, including Desso, hybrid, fibre-reinforced and synthetic systems
• An understanding of automatic irrigation and undersoil heating systems
• A demonstrably customer-focused approach to managing internal and external working relationships
• Ability to work on own initiative, set targets and monitor outcomes to drive continuous improvement

Skills

• Clear, engaging and responsive communication skills
• Good IT literacy, including Word and Excel
• Budget planning and management
• Ability to work effectively and safely, both independently and as part of a team Personal Qualities
• Personal Qualities
• Capacity to carry out a physically demanding role in all seasonal weather conditions and extremes
• Willingness to work weekends and unsocial hours
• Highly motivated, taking pride in personal and team standards and expectations
• A clear sense of purpose to drive action and inspire innovation among staff
• Ability to set and meet clear targets, managing staff to achieve high-performance outcomes
• Strong planning and problem-solving skills to meet fixed deadlines and priorities

As a small and tight-knit grounds maintenance team, QPR recognises the need for all staff to work in a multidisciplinary manner, encouraging personal development and building team spirit so the Club can achieve its objectives.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and we expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

Safeguarding is part of everything we do; as such, this role requires a willingness to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

All offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including a criminal record (DBS) check, right-to-work check, and a full reference history.

We do not offer sponsorship to applicants who do not already have the right to work in the UK.

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