Head Grounds & Racecourse Maintenance Lead

Arena Racing Company; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual passes to attendance at ARC Ven

Discounted food & ARC days out

Cycle to work scheme

Holiday allowance up to 28 days

Company life assurance

Discretionary bonus schemes

Study assistance schemes

Job summary

Arena Racing Company is seeking a proactive Head Grounds Person for Chelmsford City Racecourse to maintain a high-quality racing surface year-round and oversee the Grounds Team.

You will lead planned maintenance, oversee presentation around the track, and manage machinery while coordinating with race day and non-racing events. A strong safety mindset and attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading, supervising and developing a Grounds Team.
• Experience maintaining and preparing a racing surface or similar sports surface.
• Strong knowledge of grounds maintenance, machinery and equipment.
• Ability to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate preventative/remedial action.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage maintenance programmes and budgets.
• Proactive approach to health, safety and environmental management.
• Keen eye for detail and commitment to high standards of presentation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a planned maintenance programme for the all-weather racing surface and surrounding areas, including regular inspection and record keeping.
• Prepare and maintain the racing surface for racing, including harrowing, levelling, grading, grooming, rolling and redistribution/replenishment of surface material as required.
• Maintain the presentation of areas adjacent to the racing surface, including mowing, strimming, cleaning of the running rail and general upkeep of the track surrounds.
• Maintain all Lawns and Parade Rings, trees, hedges, shrubs and flowers with particular attention to Raceday presentation.
• Responsible for the general maintenance of outside areas including car parks, tracks, ambulance track, tarmac areas and horsebox park.
• Ensure all course machinery and equipment is maintained in safe working order and organise repairs and replacements where and when necessary.
• Monitor weather conditions and forecasts and take appropriate preventative and remedial action to protect the racing surface and infrastructure.
• In conjunction with the Clerk of the Course, manage the Grounds Team, including briefing, supervising and assisting staff in their duties.
• Ensure all staff comply with all statutory procedures and company rules and comply with regulations and safe working practices.
• Liaise with the Racecourse Office regarding Non Racing Events especially where areas of your responsibility may be involved.

Skills

Leadership

Grounds maintenance

Racing surface knowledge

Weather monitoring

Budget planning

Health and safety

Attention to detail

Job description

Arena Racing Company is seeking a proactive Head Grounds Person for Chelmsford City Racecourse to maintain a high-quality racing surface year-round and oversee the Grounds Team.

You will lead planned maintenance, oversee presentation around the track, and manage machinery while coordinating with race day and non-racing events. A strong safety mindset and attention to detail are essential.