Job Summary

Based primarily at the Training Ground, the Academy Pitch Manager assists the senior management team in running the day-to-day operations of the site, driving the team's performance and developing strategic plans to produce high-quality playing surfaces for all uses of the Training Ground. Reporting directly to the Grounds Manager, the postholder will maintain and prepare Academy pitches to an excellent standard with close attention to detail and may also be required to assist with the Elite Pitches. The Pitch Manager will be responsible for the maintenance and improvement of elite playing and training surfaces, support sporting operations, supervise seasonal specialist sports ground contractors and support end-of-season renovation works.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for all aspects of preparing and maintaining a works programme so that the Training Ground pitches play and perform to the highest standard while retaining a good visual appearance.
• Lead and motivate a small team of ground staff, overseeing the processes that support the grounds maintenance programme and setting and delivering quality, excellence and safety for all employees, playing staff and visitors to the Training Ground.
• Safely operate and maintain all pitch maintenance equipment, including mowing machines, spraying equipment, goals, nets, pitch lighting rigs, the irrigation system (pumps and sprinkler pop-ups) and the undersoil heating system (boilers and boiler control systems).
• Scope all maintenance tasks and programmes, carrying out work personally and/or coordinating and supervising others to ensure timely completion.
• Act as necessary where inclement weather or other factors may affect training or matches, using all available resources – including frost protection, gritting, salt spreading, snow clearing and drainage measures – to ensure Training Ground activities proceed on schedule. This may also include action in public areas to protect the safety of visitors and supporters.
• Conduct pitch performance testing as scheduled by the clubs operations staff.
• Maintain the gardening areas and flower beds.
• Prepare an annual report proposing a timetable of pitch renovation works at the Training Ground, in line with the agreed annual budget, with regular progress updates.
• Liaise weekly with all interested users regarding seasonal fixtures and other commercial events and programmes that benefit the Club and the Training Ground.
• Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of all working areas.
• Ensure the safe use, storage, correct calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar chemicals, taking corrective action wherever necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of all processes, including but not limited to fertiliser applications, surface aeration and fungicide treatments.
• Ensure the machinery register and service records are kept fully up to date.
• Liaise with external suppliers and contractors, including but not limited to plant and machinery maintenance, pitch irrigation and annual renovation programmes.
• Conduct and record basic risk assessments relevant to departmental work, make recommendations, and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Carry out all duties in accordance with relevant Club policies.
• Actively contribute to a high-performance environment by carrying out all duties with pride, consistency and to the best of your ability.
• Attend all relevant educational and CPD programmes as directed by the Group, the Club and/or the EFL and FA.
• Carry out any other reasonable ad hoc duties as requested by the Grounds Manager.