Forsyth Barnes Consultancy
Head of Grounds & Estates (Ref: 197626)
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About the Role
About Us
Our client operates and maintains premium sports grounds and supporting estate infrastructure for professional football operations and spectator events. They deliver consistently high-quality turf and venue presentation to meet competitive standards and fan expectations. The organisation oversees playing surfaces, training facilities, spectator zones and associated buildings, integrating grounds care with event planning and facilities management to ensure venues are safe, reliable and visually compelling.
Job Description
Reporting to senior operations leadership, the Head Of Grounds & Estates will own the strategic delivery of pitch quality, estate maintenance and capital programmes across all sites. The role balances technical oversight of turf science, drainage and irrigation with forward-looking asset management, contractor procurement and budget stewardship. The postholder will lead a multi-disciplinary team, set operational standards for matchday readiness, and liaise with event, safety and commercial teams to enable seamless venue operations. Success will be measured by pitch performance metrics, reduced unplanned maintenance, budget adherence and positive stakeholder feedback.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for grounds, turf and estate maintenance across playing surfaces and supporting areas.
- Design and implement comprehensive turf management plans including irrigation, drainage and aeration regimes.
- Manage capital improvement projects for pitches, drainage and estate infrastructure from scope through completion.
- Coordinate matchday pitch preparation and presentation standards in partnership with events and operations teams.
- Procure and oversee external contractors and specialist service providers, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Control and report on budgets, forecast maintenance spend and identify efficiency opportunities.
- Develop staff training programmes, manage rotas and ensure operational cover for peak periods.
- Implement and monitor health, safety and environmental policies specific to grounds operations.
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Requirements
- Extensive experience in grounds or estates management within professional sports, large events or comparable estates.
- In-depth technical knowledge of turf science, pitch construction, drainage systems and irrigation practice.
- Proven track record of delivering capital projects and managing multi-disciplinary contractors.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing maintenance budgets and procurement processes.
- Demonstrable leadership skills with experience in staff development and performance management.
- Working knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations applicable to grounds work.
- Relevant vocational or professional qualifications in horticulture, turf management, or facilities maintenance preferred.
- Full Driving Licence and willingness to work unsocial hours during matchdays and events.
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Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-related bonus opportunities.
- Access to professional development and industry qualifications to support career growth.
- Employee discounts for match tickets and venue hospitality on selected events.
- Occupational pension scheme and employer-contributed benefits package.
- Contributory healthcare plan and wellbeing resources.
- Uniform, tools and equipment provided where required.
Other
The role offers a visible impact on matchday experience and facility standards. Candidates with transferable experience from grounds, facilities or estate roles in sports or large-scale events are encouraged to apply. The post requires flexibility for evening and weekend work and a practical, hands-on approach to problem solving.
James Gershfield
Head of Sports & Entertainment
Sports & Entertainment Specialist
james.gershfield@forsythbarnes.com
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