Senior Grounds Operative

Organisation: Stadium MK
Salary: 23851 - 25000
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 12 September 2025
Job Description: Job purpose:
To contribute to the development, maintenance and preparation of the sports playing surfaces and facilities to the highest possible standards across all sites. Assist in the operations of the Grounds Maintenance department and oversee the daily maintenance and preparation of sites. Deputise in the absence of a Deputy Head of Grounds and contribute to planning and execution.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:
• Adapt and coordinate pitch maintenance to support elite-level training and match use.
• Input into long-term surface management strategies, including annual renovations and seasonal transitions, ensuring continuous playability and resilience of surfaces.
• Aid managing club training schedules, match fixtures, and recovery periods into resource and workload planning for the Grounds team.
• Record and track all planned and completed maintenance through grounds management software, ensuring accuracy across operations, staff allocation, and machinery use.

Decision Making:
• Make daily and longer-term decisions autonomously, including scheduling, resource allocation, and pitch prioritisation based on usage and environmental factors.
• Adapt plans to weather, pitch recovery, and unforeseen changes while maintaining high standards of safety and playability.
• Use technical judgement to advise on improvements, renovations, and investment in equipment or materials.

Impact & Influence:
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with coaching staff and operations teams.
• Influence pitch rotation, training loads, and protection plans.
• Educate, teach and explain all works to grounds operatives and apprentice staff.

Skill Level:
• Possess knowledge and hands-on experience in turf care, pitch testing, surface repair, and machinery operation.
• Conduct regular assessments of pitch conditions using industry-standard testing methods.
• Oversee the correct and safe use of specialist equipment, ensuring optimal performance and staff safety.
• Provide technical mentoring and on-the-ground guidance to colleagues, contributing to the overall expertise within the department.
• Stay informed of current industry trends and contribute to innovation in pitch management practices.

Communication:
• Provide timely and detailed written and verbal updates on pitch conditions, renovation progress, and upcoming maintenance plans.
• Facilitate smooth team operations by clearly communicating job expectations, safety protocols, and workload assignments.

Lead & Develop:
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the grounds team, ensuring all work is delivered to a high standard and on schedule.
• Aid in mentoring and training to team members, including apprentices, on both practical tasks and theoretical knowledge.
• Supervise completion of tasks, fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Ensure all staff are compliant with health & safety procedures.

Operating Parameters:
• Ensure all grounds activities are carried out in full compliance with club policies, health & safety legislation, and industry regulations.
• Take initiative to update processes or recommend changes that improve efficiency, safety, or quality.
• Maintain equipment to operational standards and ensure all machinery is used appropriately to prevent injury or damage.
• Work independently within defined protocols but contribute to the ongoing development of the department.

Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:
• Education: NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture/Sports Turf Management. (E)
• Experience: Prior experience in sports turf industry, preferably in football. (E)
• Certifications: PA 1, 2, 6 Spraying Certificates. (E)
• Skills: Operation of sports turf machinery, pitch maintenance, pitch testing, renovations and repair. (E)
• Personal Qualities: Ability to work under pressure, flexible, and physically capable. (E)
• Additional: Full UK driving license. (E)
• Additional training in grounds management. (D)
• Experience managing staff. (D)
• Knowledge and experience in Health and Safety e.g. COSHH (D)

Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people (CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.

Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.
How to apply: To apply for this role and for more information, please visit : https://www.stadiummk.com/careers/