Head Groundsperson
Oldham Athletic has a new vacancy for the position of Head Groundsperson at the club.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative and committed individual to undertake the key role of ensuring the maintenance of all playing surfaces and management of the grounds team.
The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards.
Main Role Purpose
The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards. They will also manage a team of staff to deliver the highest quality playing surfaces and work flexibly in accordance with first team commitments.
- The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Presentation of all pitches to the highest standard for matches and training schedules.
- Carrying out general grounds duties such as cutting the grass, watering the pitch, marking the pitch and match preparations.
- Be present at all home fixtures to liaise with coaches and ensure a smooth running of events.
- Creation of work and fertiliser programmes to ensure the pitches are maintained to the highest possible standard.
- Establishing and managing budgets for all aspects of work undertaken and ensuring that those budgets are adhered to.
- Liaising with suppliers to order products and services where required.
- Ensure machinery is maintained and serviced to an acceptable standard.
- Managing and upskilling staff to ensure that they can carry out their duties in an efficient manner and to an acceptable standard.
- Presenting and managing an end of season/closed season pitch renovation programme ensuring the required work is carried out by suppliers.
- Liaising with the First Team Manager, Academy and coaching staff on a daily basis to ensure pitches are appropriately prepared for training.
- Providing support and training to apprentices.
- Maintaining and creating relationships with key suppliers.
- Be available for the required training sessions, based around training schedules.
- Any other duties as required and directed by the Owners, Directors, Club Secretary or Head of operations.
Skills & Experience Required
- Qualified with an NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent qualification.
- Experience working in both football and rugby.
- Experience in working on professional sports pitches.
- Experience working on a hybrid pitch construction.
- PA1, 2 and 6 Spraying certificates.
- Competent IT skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Experience of managing teams of operatives, planning and organising workloads, allocating duties and monitoring performances.
- Able to work effectively lead a team and independently using own initiative.
- Competent management and maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Experience in the management of pitch lighting systems.
- Full UK Driving License and own vehicle.
Benefits
- Free membership at Glo Gym
- Staff Discount at The Athletic Store
- Complementary tickets to home games for friends or family
- Free Parking
- Funded Training Opportunities
Safeguarding
- To ensure compliance with the company’s safeguarding policy a DBS will be a requirement for this role due to the immediate presence around the changing facilities & young people in the workplace.
