At a Glance
- Tasks: Support football pitch standards and manage relationships with key partners in the North East.
- Company: Join the Grounds Management Association, the UK's leading body for grounds care.
- Benefits: Starting salary from £30K, car allowance, pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community sports and enhance your career in turf management.
- Qualifications: Experience in turf management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel across the North East region.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is the UK’s leading industry body for the grounds care sector. A not-for-profit membership organisation promoting and protecting the interests of professional and volunteer grounds people who make sport possible by keeping green spaces and playing surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable across educational establishments, community facilities, and sports clubs at grassroots, amateur, and elite professional level.
SALTEX is the brand name of the exhibition owned and operated by the GMA with all profits supporting the GMA's provision and delivery of the industry training, education and membership services.
About The Role
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is seeking to recruit a Regional Pitch Advisor, covering the sport of football to join the existing team in supporting the delivery of the Pitch Advisory Service Programme. The programme was launched in 2014 to raise standards of sports surfaces and the understanding of sports turf management practices at volunteer level and is funded by Sport England and the Football Foundation in partnership with the ECB, FA, RFL and RFU.
This role has come about due to a staff movement and will encompass liaison with the Football Foundation, County Football Associations as well as the other National Sports Governing Bodies. The Regional Pitch Advisor will develop the regional infrastructure within football and manage effective relationships with the volunteer sport network and key partners. They will also promote and deliver the GMA and NGB Strategies/programmes and be involved in the development of volunteer networks and the delivery of training and standards and other support services.
The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills, be well organised and able to demonstrate clear knowledge and understanding of turf care management with a proven background in turf/grounds management, preferably sports turf. Knowledge of current Football Foundation and Football Association facilities strategies and the structures of sport, especially the sport of football would be considered an advantage as will knowledge and understanding of local authorities and community sport structures.
Further Information
The role is home based with requirements to provide regional cover and travel to the GMA head office in Milton Keynes and other sites for meetings or visits, as necessary. Reporting directly to the Key Account Manager for Football, the Regional Pitch Advisor for football is a regional role covering the North East Region consisting of Durham, East Riding, North Riding, Northumberland, Sheffield, West Riding so the successful candidate is expected to reside within or near to the boundary of the region.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Competitive salary starting from £30K per annum plus car allowance of £4K per annum, and pension, employee assistance programme, life assurance cover, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
How to apply
Please apply with your up-to-date CV (including explanation for any gaps in employment history) and a cover letter detailing your qualities, skills and experience for the role to careers@thegma.org.uk. Indicative interview date: w/c 13 April 2026.
Regional Pitch Advisor Football - North East Region in Milton Keynes employer: Sport + Recreation Alliance
Contact Detail:
Sport + Recreation Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Pitch Advisor Football - North East Region in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football and grounds management sectors. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at the GMA or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for turf management! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about sports turf care. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the GMA and its initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategies and programmes, especially those related to football. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the GMA family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Pitch Advisor Football - North East Region in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Regional Pitch Advisor role. Highlight your experience in turf management and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about football and grounds management. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the role, so we can see your enthusiasm and expertise.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, make sure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before sending it our way!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sport + Recreation Alliance
✨Know Your Turf
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of turf care management and the specific practices related to football. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and standards in sports turf management, as this will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves liaising with various organisations like the Football Foundation and County Football Associations, be prepared to discuss how you would build and maintain these relationships. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few anecdotes that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with volunteers and partners.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Research the local authorities and community sport structures within the North East region. Being knowledgeable about the specific challenges and opportunities in this area will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.