Head Groundsperson

Hours of Work Standard working week will be a minimum of 45 hours. In addition, you will also be required to work flexibly outside normal hours including evenings, weekends, matchdays and bank holiday and other club events.

Location The Hive London, Camrose Avenue, London, HA8 6AG

Responsible to Chairman

Responsible for

Managing an effective pitch maintenance programme in maintaining, developing and preparing the playing surface of the grass and Astro pitches and The Hive Stadium hybrid (stitched) pitch to an excellent standard ensuring a safe and consistent quality of the playing surface in order for games to go ahead on schedule.

Maintaining equipment and machinery relevant to the job together with maintaining the surrounding areas of the stadium and training pitches to the same high standard.

Overseeing the overall maintenance and cosmetic management of the site, including bank trimming and Astro brushing.

Candidate must be motivated, forward thinking, dedicated, take pride in their work and deliver to a high standard and takes responsibility to get a job completed, and have a flexible approach of the requirements for the overall extensive business within the Club, Community and public pitch bookers.

Duties & responsibilities

• Oversee the installation and ongoing maintenance of new Verdemix stitched hybrid pitch being installed in The Hive Stadium.



• Responsible for the management of the day-to-day organisation and operations and tasks for the role as Head Groundskeeper.



• Preparation of all the playing surfaces to a high standard undertaking all duties to ensure the best possible playing surfaces.



• Preparation of the playing areas pre-match to include goalposts, nets, white lines and floodlights. Carry out remedial work postmatch to include divots, and arrange pitch covers.



• Take action as necessary where inclement weather or other factors are predicted to ensure that games go ahead including frost protection, gritting, salt spreading, snow clearing, drainage measures or any other additional action required to ensure games go ahead on schedule. This may also involve actions in relation to public areas to ensure the safety of visitors and supporters.



• Ensuring that the pitches are prepared correctly for fixtures and other events within an agreed budget.



• Ensure that all machinery is maintained and tested to a safe and adequate standard and keep a register of all equipment for upgrades and servicing purposes.



• Ensure all risk assessments relevant to the role are adequate and updated.



• Responsible for keeping equipment stored safely and securely at all times.



• Maintaining pitch management throughout the season including schedules for fertilisers and chemical treatments.



• Maintain the areas around the ground including culverts, banks, hedges and car park ensuring safety for the public and good cosmetic appearance. This includes maintaining, planting programme and soft landscaping.



• Maintain any training areas to a high standard ensuring the surface is useable and prepared for training sessions.



• Experience and knowledge in the use of pitch lighting rigs and other relevant equipment for perfecting the playing surfaces.



• Communicate back on any remedial work or renovation work required, and highlighting any work which may financially be beneficial to the Clubs.



• Modify, move and maintain advertising hoardings as and when required in collaboration with the Commercial & Sales Team.



• Welcome and be responsible for any contractors who arrive ensuring all documents are completed for them to attend site, and ensure work is carried out satisfactorily.



• Manage and undertake general maintenance tasks in relation to the playing surfaces.



• Responsible for a small team of grounds staff who assist with the upkeep of the site.



• At all times understand, adhere and implement high standards in relation to Health & Safety in particular to manual handling within this role. All correct PPE to be worn at all times, and to ensure that other colleagues with the maintenance team adhere and understand their responsibility in regard to H&S



• Ability to put relevant risk assessments, policies and procedures in place and demonstrate clearly to your team what is required



• Maintain Club standards in relation to quality and the progressive image at the Clubs.



• Responsible for keeping appropriate records for good practice and regulatory compliance.


Employees must at all times carry out their duties and responsibilities with due regard to the company's values, policies and procedures, in particular to health and safety, equality and diversity, confidentially and with regard to data protection.

This job description is a guide only and should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and will be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation. All employees may be required to undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested.

Code of Conduct

The company expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the company and its employees. The Code of Conduct along with the Employee Handbook makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the company, as the employer. All employees are expected to act wholeheartedly in the interests of the company at all times. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the general public or damaging to its public image shall be considered to be a breach of company rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive and violent behaviour are unacceptable and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality Inclusion & Diversity

The Hive London is committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion and diversity of opportunity is at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the company, and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the company that no person shall be discriminated against and we oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following 'protected characteristics'

Qualified to high level in sports turf & green keeping.

NVQ Level 2 in Sports Turf Maintenance or equivalent.

NTPC PA1, PA2, PA6 pesticide spraying certificates or working towards.

Valid driving licence.

Experience

Experience with stitched hybrid pitches, Astro pitches and grass pitches.

At least 2 years' experience as a Groundskeeper or Greenkeeping role.

Ability to produce risk assessments relevant to the role and ensure procedures are in place.

Experience with managing and training grounds staff, where required.

Qualities

An understanding and experience of working within a sports ground.

Excellent verbal communication skills.

Confident, approachable and reliable.

Proactive team player with an ability to resolve conflict and remain professional at all times.

Attention to detail and punctuality.

Able to use own initiative.

Highly motivated and taking pride in standards and expectations of themselves and the role.

Job Type: Full-time


• Company pension


• Cycle to work scheme


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• Health & wellbeing programme


• On-site gym


• On-site parking


Schedule:

• Weekend availability


Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)