Pitch Manager

Kick It Out; Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious football club in Leicester is seeking an experienced Pitch Manager to oversee pitch maintenance and manage a dedicated grounds team. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in pitch management, a relevant degree, and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include developing maintenance schedules, monitoring pitch conditions, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits, including pension and life assurance, in a vibrant sporting environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Free onsite parking

Access to subsidised staff restaurants

Up to 33 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience in pitch management or groundskeeping.
• Proven experience managing a team.
• Strong knowledge of sports turf management practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance of natural and synthetic football pitches.
• Lead and manage a team of grounds staff.
• Develop long-term maintenance plans for pitches.

Skills

Team management

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Sports Turf Management or related field

Tools

Groundskeeping equipment

Maintenance software

Job description

Kickstart your career Leicester City Football Club Women as Pitch Manager!

Contract Type: Permanent

Do you have the drive and passion to make a real impact at LCFCW?

About The Role & Who We’re Scouting

We’re on the lookout for a passionate and skilled Pitch Manager to join our team at LCFCW. As a Pitch Manager, you’ll play a key role in being responsible for managing and maintaining all football pitches to the highest standard, ensuring they are in optimal condition for training and matches.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the maintenance of all natural and synthetic football pitches at the Women's Training Facility, ensuring they are prepared to the highest standards
• Develop and implement pitch maintenance schedules, including mowing, aeration, fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, tailored to the specific needs of each pitch.
• Monitor pitch conditions regularly, identifying any issues such as wear and tear, drainage problems, or disease, and take corrective action as necessary.
• Leading and managing a team of grounds staff, providing direction, training, and support to ensure high-quality pitch maintenance.
• Fostering a positive team environment, encouraging collaboration and professional development among staff.
• Managing the use of equipment, materials, and supplies needed for pitch maintenance, ensuring that all resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Coordinating with the Head of Grounds and Facilities to procure necessary materials and manage the maintenance and servicing of equipment.
• Overseeing the use of irrigation systems and manage water resources responsibly, in line with sustainability practices.
• Ensuring that all pitch maintenance activities comply with health and safety regulations, conducting regular risk assessments and implementing necessary safety measures.
• Developing long-term maintenance and renovation plans for pitches, ensuring they are sustainable and meet the club’s future needs
• Preparing reports on pitch conditions, maintenance activities, and team performance for review by the Head of Grounds and Facilities.
• Liaising with coaching staff and other club personnel to ensure that pitch availability aligns with the training and match schedules of the women's teams.
• Communicating effectively with all stakeholders, ensuring they are informed about pitch conditions and any ongoing maintenance work.
• Staying updated on the latest techniques, technologies, and best practices in pitch management and groundskeeping.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience working as a Pitch Manager and specifically bring:

• A degree or diploma in Sports Turf Management, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant certifications in groundskeeping, turf management, or pitch maintenance are advantageous.
• A minimum of 5 years experience in pitch management or groundskeeping, ideally within a professional sports environment.
• Proven experience of managing a team and overseeing the maintenance of multiple pitches.
• In-depth knowledge of sports turf management practices, including the maintenance of both natural and synthetic pitches.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in using groundskeeping equipment and familiarity with pitch maintenance software.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
• A passionate attitude towards sports turf management and be dedicated to providing the best possible playing surfaces.
• A proactive and forward-thinking nature, with a focus on continuous improvement.

A strong work ethic and reliability, with the ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as required.

Working Conditions:

• This role is primarily outdoors, requiring work in various weather conditions.
• Physical fitness is necessary, as the role involves manual labour and the operation of groundskeeping equipment.
• Ideal candidate will have a flexible approach to working pattern as the role will include evening and weekend work.

If you think your experience and skills match, and you’ve got the drive, energy, and skills to work in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, we want you on our team!

About The Club

Knowing some of the history of LCFCW helps you appreciate the sense of community, spirit and family for which the Club are renowned for.

In May 2021, LCFC Women were promoted to the FA Women’s Super League. From its formation in 2004, the Club was run on an amateur and semi-professional basis with support from Leicester City Football Club. In August 2020, the Club turned professional after being acquired by King Power International – Leicester City’s parent company – and realigned as a core team in Leicester City’s football operation.

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!

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.

Next Steps

We’ll be reviewing applications as and when they are submitted and invite shortlisted candidates for interviews, so don’t wait – if you think this role sounds like the right fit, apply today! We’re excited to hear from you and can’t wait to see how you’ll help us reach new heights!