Grounds Manager

Triathlonscotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional sports club in Edinburgh is seeking a Grounds Manager to oversee turf management and lead the grounds team. This role requires extensive experience in professional sports turf management and a background in team leadership. Responsibilities include managing pitch maintenance, monitoring turf health, and working closely with various departments to ensure high standards. Candidates should possess an HND in Sports Turf Management or equivalent and a proven ability to operate in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent staff benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in multi venue professional sports turf management.
• Ability to manage a grounds team effectively.
• Proven track record of developing a team in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and presentation of playing surfaces.
• Manage pitch maintenance and testing programs.
• Lead and develop the grounds team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Budget management

Turf management

Education

HND / GMA Level 4 in Sports Turf Management or Horticulture

Job description

Location: Tynecastle Park, Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2NL and Oriam - Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS.

Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent staff benefits.

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the business, which will include evening and weekend work.

Closing Date: 20 February 2026 - Close of play

Heart of Midlothian Football Club have an exciting opportunity for a Grounds Manager to work within our Stadium and Facilities Department. The Grounds Manager will lead our experienced and passionate grounds team at both our stadium and training ground. The desired candidate will be experienced in professional sport turf management and be confident in leading a grounds team to ensure excellence in preparation, presentation and ongoing maintenance of pitch surfaces. If you are passionate about playing surface excellence and experienced in leading a grounds team – we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of the playing surfaces at the Clubs stadium and training facilities, encouraging the grounds team to ensure surfaces meet the highest possible standards and meet all required criteria.
• Plan, implement, and manage pitch maintenance and testing programs throughout the season.
• Effectively plan the grounds team’s schedule based upon planned pitch maintenance, testing, demands of the football department’s training and fixture schedule.
• Carry out accurate pitch health monitoring, drainage and wear patterns and direct the grounds team in taking corrective action.
• Line management responsibility for the grounds team, ensuring to provide knowledge, support, and feedback with a focus on continuous professional development.
• Manage the grounds department budget and make cost effective decisions regarding recommendations for improvements.
• Promote safe operation of all equipment, ensuring health and safety regulations are adhered to at all times.
• Continuously reviewing processes and procedures, and lead on any pitch development projects.

Essential Experience, Qualifications & Requirements:

• Previous experience in multi venue professional sports turf management including knowledge of hybrid turf systems, ideally within professional football.
• Previous experience of line managing a grounds team.
• HND / GMA Level 4 (or equivalent) in Sports Turf Management or Horticulture.
• PA1/PA2/PA6 spraying certificates (Desirable).
• First Aid and Health & Safety qualifications (Desirable).
• Proven track record in leading and developing a team.
• Experience in budget management and tender processes.
• Experience in report writing and record keeping
• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to evidence the Legal Right to Work in the UK.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships with the grounds team, other departments across the Club and external contractors.
• Strong planning and leadership skills with the ability to lead, support and develop a grounds team.
• Able to efficiently manage budgets, and tender processes.
• Committed to attention to detail with high presentation standards.
• Confident operating within a high-pressure working environment, particularly during busy fixtures schedules.
• Positive approach to managing conflicting needs of the business.
• A high standard of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Passion for playing surface excellence.
• Committed to continuous professional development.
• Flexibility with weekly working patterns including evenings, weekends and matchdays.

How to apply:

If you think that you are suitable for the position and meet the criteria above, please send a Covering Letter and CV [e-mail] .

Due to a high volume of applicants, the role may be closed earlier than the closing date stated above. Please ensure to apply early if you meet the criteria above.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND FULLY COMMITTED TO THE SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS.

HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN IS A LIVING WAGE ACCREDITED COMPANY.