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21 Sept 2024

Deputy Head Groundskeepers (Training Ground)

🇬🇧 Sheffield, UK
Full Time
3+ years exp.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Sheffield United Training Ground Facilities, Dore, Shirecliffe
Line Manager: Head of Facilities
Salary: Head Groundskeeper
Post Reference: BL092024-PDHG


Sheffield United Football Club are seeking 2 Deputy Head Groundskeepers to join our training ground facilities department. The successful candidates should be a strong communicator with a proven track record of the maintenance of stadium pitches and staff management. Your expertise will ensure that athletes have the ideal playing surface to train and perform at their best.


Role Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the planning and execution for the maintenance of all pitches, landscaping, cleanliness and general appearance of the allocated site.
  • Responsible for the general maintenance of plant and equipment used, ensuring statutory standards are met and all equipment is correctly maintained and serviced.
  • Responsible for the supervision of staff allocated permanently and temporarily to work at the site within your remit.
  • Stand in for the Head Groundskeeper during periods of absence and cover for other Deputy Head Groundskeeper at other sites where required.
  • Attend and work Match days when required.
  • Attend and supervise supplier visits and surveys in order to provide the local knowledge where required.
  • Prioritise safety and act with due regard for the well-being of all staff and the public.
  • Observe and report any items of equipment or work situation which is considered to be of an unsafe nature.
  • Attend training courses as required and in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • Observe and report on occasions of abuse, or the need for repairs and additional maintenance of any area of work.
  • Train, develop, and motivate staff to continuously develop their technical skills and user relations.
  • Supervise staff, especially trainees and apprentices to ensure standards of work and safety are achieved and maintained.
  • Any other tasks as deemed reasonable by management.


Club Wide Responsibilities:

  • To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
  • To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
  • To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
  • To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
  • To carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.


Essential Criteria for the Role:

  • Full Driving Licence
  • Experience in the management and execution of Mowing, Divoting, Mowing, Marking out, Fertilizing, Aeration of the pitches.
  • Proven track record of maintenance of stadium pitches and staff management.
  • Experience daily machinery checking and logging
  • Experience of operating irrigation system
  • Good communication and management skills
  • Good understanding of Pitch grow light safe deployment and operation


Desirable Criteria for the Role:

  • Spraying certificate
  • NVQ level 3 in sports turf or equivalent
  • Practical experience of managing a wide range of fine turf surfaces such as bowling, tennis and cricket
  • Experience in managing and maintaining grass hybrid pitches as well as 3G & 4G pitches
  • Understanding of FA, Premier league and EFL Pitch and matchday requirements and operations
External Apply