Head of Grounds & Estate

JOB TITLE

Head of Grounds and Estate (Football)

Chief Operating Officer

Director of Football

This role requires the post holder to operate at the highest level to ensure all club pitches and estate environments are maintained in optimum condition throughout the full playing season. This requires excellent planning, use of modern technology, and close coordination with key stakeholders.

• Continually work towards the organisation’s corporate strategic goals.
• Communicate, promote and protect the organisation’s values to enhance an elite high-performance environment.
• Attend relevant professional development events and actively engage in a personal development plan and integrated appraisal process.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures contained within the Staff Handbook, paying regard to Equal Opportunity, Dignity at Work, Health & Safety, and security policies.
• Develop and establish the organisation’s grounds management strategy, engaging stakeholders to ensure full buy-in.
• Identify KPIs and ensure the team achieves these consistently.

• Lead the grounds team to achieve all objectives and deliver top-tier standard pitches and grounds.
• Work with the executive team to design and deliver the club’s pitch strategy.
• Manage the grounds and estate budget to ensure financial targets are met and efficiency opportunities are realised.
• Develop and maintain a five-year equipment management plan to support pitch optimisation.
• Develop and maintain a technology strategy for pitch management.
• Research and implement best practice in the management of all pitches.
• Contribute to the organisation’s sustainability objectives and lead on the grounds-related aspects.
• Work with relevant leagues/competition organisers to ensure all competitive games can take place, providing early warning where issues exist.
• Inspire and motivate the grounds team through strong and innovative leadership.
• Ensure the external estate environment at the Training Ground and Stadium is of high quality and provides a welcoming environment where elite athletes can thrive.
• Responsible for ensuring all staff comply with the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Experienced leader in grounds management within a professional football environment.
• Strong leadership qualities.
• Collaborative, with a track record of delivering a first-class grounds strategy.
• Strong planning and coordination skills.
• Qualified in Grounds Management to Level 3 minimum (or equivalent).
• Open-minded and cooperative.
• Ability to work across organisational boundaries and with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong technology skills.
• Ability to network across the league and beyond.