Head Grounds Person at Colchester United Football Club

As the Head Grounds Person for Colchester United Football Club, you will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and care of the main pitch at the stadium, as well as five additional pitches at the training ground. This is a working leadership role: you will be out on the pitches alongside your team while also taking ownership of planning, administration and people management, bringing fresh ideas and a progressive approach to turf care. Your primary goal will be to ensure that all playing surfaces meet the highest standards of quality and safety, providing an optimal playing environment for the team while also keeping the wider grounds and landscaped areas at the training facility looking immaculate.

Responsibilities:

• Pitch Maintenance: Oversee and execute the day-to-day maintenance of the main pitch at the stadium, training ground pitches, together with the grounds around them. Regularly assess and implement necessary measures to maintain pitch quality, including aeration, top dressing, fertilisation, irrigation, and pest control. Coordinate pitch renovations, including reseeding, turf repairs, and other necessary enhancements. Monitor weather and pitch conditions and adjust maintenance practices accordingly to ensure optimal playing conditions.
• Grounds Management: Manage and lead a team of grounds staff, providing clear guidance, supervision, and training to ensure the highest standards of workmanship. Develop and implement a maintenance schedule for all pitches, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and tasks are completed in a timely manner. Monitor and maintain equipment, tools, and machinery used for grounds-keeping activities, ensuring they are in good working order and compliant with safety standards. Collaborate with the club's management and coaching staff to understand their requirements and tailor maintenance practices accordingly.
• Compliance and Health & Safety: Stay up-to-date with relevant health and safety regulations, ensuring all grounds-keeping activities comply with legal requirements and industry best practices. Regularly inspect and assess the pitches for any potential hazards or risks, taking appropriate action to mitigate them promptly. Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, including the use of chemicals, fertilisers, and other materials, in accordance with environmental and regulatory standards.
• Budgeting and Resource Management: Assist in the preparation and management of the department's annual budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and cost-effectively. Assist in the sourcing and procurement of necessary supplies, materials, and equipment while adhering to the club's procurement policies. Monitor and control expenditure, keeping detailed records and providing regular reports to senior management as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must have a Level 3 qualification relevant to sports turf management, ideally working towards/gained Level 4 qualification.
• Certificate in Safe Use of Pesticides (NPTC PA1 & PA6) are desirable.
• Proven experience as a grounds keeper in pitch maintenance, ideally within a professional sports environment.
• Sound knowledge of turf management practices, including aeration, top dressing, fertilisation, irrigation, and pest control.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to effectively lead a team and delegate tasks.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, capable of prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices related to ground keeping activities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and match-days, as required.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate relevant ground-keeping machinery and equipment.
• Candidates must hold the right to live and work in the UK.

Additional Information:

Colchester United is committed to meeting its obligations under health & safety legislation, and every member of staff is required to familiarise themselves with and observe at all times the Club's health, safety and fire procedures. Safeguarding sits at the heart of everything we do: Colchester United FC works to protect the welfare of children and young people in its care, and every member of staff is expected to play an active part in this commitment. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring that all recruitment and employment decisions are made fairly and based on merit, skills, qualifications and experience. Joining Colchester United Football Club as the Head Grounds Person presents an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in maintaining exceptional playing surfaces that will contribute to the success of the team and ensure a memorable experience for players and supporters alike. All staff must be aware of all safeguarding and equity and diversity issues, along with all academy and club policies, rules and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.