Manager, Pitch Manager - Training Sites, FIFA World Cup 2026

Reporting organisationally to the FIFA26 Inc. Senior Pitch Manager – Training Sites, the Turf Manager – Training Sites will be a key member of the FIFA26 Pitch Infrastructure team.

THE POSITION

The main responsibilities and oversights of the Turf Manager – Training Sites for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ include:

• Integration and monitoring of the overall pitch management strategy into the host cities pitch programmes to achieve consistency and uniformity across a Cluster’s Training Sites.
• Overseeing the implementation of pitch delivery plans of a Cluster’s Training Sites.
• Liaison with a Cluster’s Training Site Authorities on monitoring any necessary pitch design and construction matters.
• Implementation and monitoring of the FIFA Requirements in Pitch Management delivery life cycle.
• Maintain an understanding and support integration of the Pitch Research Programme outcomes in collaboration with wider Pitch Management Team.
• Liaise with internal Stakeholders and Functional Areas in the associated Host City Clusters to support overall event delivery.
• Develop and monitor a Project Management Plan and Pitch delivery Risk Management Plan which includes Pitch Protection, Recovery and Replacement Plans.
• Ensuring that pitch construction readiness is reported, and action plans are completed according to the schedule; addressing and escalating any issues thereon as required.
• Working in conjunction with Stadium and Training Site Turf Managers to prepare, implement and monitor weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules (as applicable to FIFA use periods) to ensure all ground staff deliver the required standard of playing surfaces daily.
• Ensuring all pitch operations carried out according to agreed framework.
• Working with the wider Pitch Management Team to deliver an Education and Training Programme designed specifically at addressing key areas of turf maintenance in line with the tournament pitch operational requirements.

YOUR PROFILE

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Agronomy, or minimum Level 4 Qualifications for Turf Management.
• The experience should have related to constructing or managing elite professional pitches on a training site as well as in a stadium environment.
• Hold recognised turf management qualifications.
• Have experience and be familiar with modern turf maintenance equipment in stadiums.
• Have an extensive working knowledge of modern pitch construction and management techniques.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years as either:
  • A Senior Grounds Manager or Head Groundsman at a Professional Football or Multi-use Stadium/Arena with natural turf surface, or
  • A Project Manager or Sports Surface Consultant working with Internationally recognised Venues, Events and/or Sports Clubs.
• Minimum 3-years’ experience of planning and delivery of a FIFA World Cup or other similar major International sporting event (preferable Soccer).
• Experience of working with a team/staff with different backgrounds and skill sets, and ideally in an overseas setting.
• Very good understanding of Sports Turf Management, particularly the use of Hybrid reinforcements and Natural grass Football turf in Football tournament conditions.
• Pragmatic, ability to simplify complex situations and solution oriented. Ability to identify and evaluate existing or potential problems and to identify the various aspects, to detect the causes and any links between them
• Interpersonal skills and collaborator
• Leadership skills to identify, lead and manage diverse teams with different skills
• Negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders as well as suppliers.
• Ability to foresee the need to act, to draw up a coherent and chronological plan, to establish priorities, to allocate resources, to develop a system of control, and to re-adjust and permanently improve plans.
• Manage the efficient use of available resources. Gather and record information to develop trend data and analyse past usage. Make recommendations for improving the best use of resources and the University facilities.
• Practical competency and problem-solving skills in the setup and operation of specialist sports turf machinery and equipment, as well as experience in operating key pitch infrastructural components such as vacuum & ventilations system, irrigation pumps and pitch grow lights.

Languages

• Fluent in English
• Spanish proficiency is a plus

Knowledge, Technology and Abilities

• Office 365
• Miro Board, Whiteboard
• Pitch Performance and Environmental testing and evaluation methods and measurements.

About FWC2026

The FIFA World Cup 26™ will mark the first time that the tournament features 48 teams and will be hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This new format redefines excellence, generating unique opportunities for greater participation and engagement from fans and players in North America and all over the world. Now is your time to be a game changer and join the workforce that is planning and delivering this unique and unforgettable experience.