Head Groundsperson

Arena Racing Company; Hereford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual passes to attend 22 venues

Discounted food & ARC days out

Cycle to work scheme

Holiday allowance up to 28 days

Company life assurance scheme

Discretionary group annual bonus

Study assistance schemes

Job summary

Arena Racing Company’s Hereford Racecourse is seeking a passionate Head Groundsperson to lead our grounds team and ensure an exceptional racing surface year-round. You will supervise maintenance of turf, fences, and racecourse facilities while coordinating with race staff to deliver top-quality raceday presentation.

The role requires proven grounds leadership, knowledge of turf management, and a focus on safety and presentation.

Job description

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Head Groundsperson to join our team at Hereford Racecourse!

About us…

Arena Racing Company does so much more than lead the UK’s largest horse racing group. We have 22 racing venues showcasing horse racing, greyhound racing, golf courses, hotels and events. In short, leisure, entertainment, media production and global distribution are at the heart of what we do, making it an exciting and diverse place to work!

Our success is a team effort which is why we offer great opportunities for growth, development and career progression. After all, it’s our employees that enable us to offer first class service and create an electric atmosphere, all within an industry we love.

What is ARC?

We embrace diversity. We develop our people. We care for our visitors. We think about our impact. We are proud of our sport.

Work Perks of being a Head Groundsperson...

• Annual passes to attend any of our 22 venues
• Discounted food & ARC days out
• Cycle to work scheme
• Holiday allowance increasing with length of service up to 28 days
• Company life assurance scheme
• Discretionary group annual bonus schemes to reward your hard work
• Support with study through our study assistance schemes

And so much more…

About the role:

As Head Groundsperson you will aim to maintain a quality racing surface all year round as well as maintaining all racing areas and the wider racecourse concourse to the highest possible standard of presentation. You will also assist, when available, with the maintenance of buildings and equipment as well as assisting in the operational aspects of Racedays and other Racecourse Events.

Key responsibilities of a Head Groundsperson (please see JD for full list of responsibilities)

• Lead, motivate and manage permanent and casual groundstaff, including rotas, training and health and safety.
• Oversee all aspects of racecourse preparation and turf management, including mowing, irrigation, fertilising, repairs and track maintenance.
• Manage the preparation and maintenance of fences, hurdles, running rails and raceday infrastructure.
• Monitor course conditions and weather forecasts, providing timely going reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Maintain the wider racecourse estate to a high standard, including lawns, gardens, Parade Ring, horsewalks, stable yards and car parks.
• Ensure stable hygiene, waste disposal and BHAGI compliance requirements are met.
• Maintain machinery, equipment, irrigation and drainage systems in safe working order.
• Manage groundskeeping materials, supplies, storage areas and expenditure within agreed budgets.
• Ensure risk assessments, health and safety procedures and maintenance records are kept up to date.
• Work closely with the Clerk of the Course and wider management team to support the effective running of the racecourse and estate.

The person we are looking for as a Head Groundsperson has….

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

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity.

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences.We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.