Head Groundsman - Premier Sports Stadium

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical insurance

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Training and professional development

Access to stadium events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Groundsman for East London, Eastern Cape, to lead and maintain world-class turf for football, rugby and major events. The role requires extensive experience in professional sports turf management, strategic planning, and team leadership.

You will direct mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and renovations, while managing equipment and budget, ensuring safety and peak playability during busy event schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in professional sports turf management.
• Knowledge of turfgrass species, soil science and pest management.
• Proficient in operating and maintaining groundskeeping equipment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures for groundskeeping.
• Diploma/certificate in horticulture or turf management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily maintenance of the main pitch and surrounding grounds.
• Develop turf management plans including fertilization, irrigation, aeration and pest control.
• Manage operation, maintenance and repair of groundskeeping machinery and equipment.
• Lead, train and supervise a groundskeeping team.
• Monitor pitch conditions and implement corrective actions for playability and safety.
• Plan and execute pitch renovation projects and post-event repairs.
• Manage budget for groundskeeping supplies and equipment.
• Maintain records of maintenance, soil analysis and treatments.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Groundskeeping leadership

Turf management

Horticulture knowledge

Equipment operation

Education

Diploma in Horticulture/Turf Management

Tools

Groundskeeping machinery

Job description

About the Role

Our client, the operator of a premier sports stadium, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Groundsman to manage and maintain its world-class playing surfaces. This critical role, based in East London, Eastern Cape, ensures that the pitch meets the rigorous standards required for professional football, rugby, and other major sporting events. You will lead a team of groundskeeping staff, manage all aspects of turf management, including mowing, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and pitch renovation. The ideal candidate possesses extensive horticultural knowledge, hands-on experience with groundskeeping equipment, and a deep understanding of the specific needs of high-performance sports turf. This position demands meticulous attention to detail, a proactive approach, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, especially during busy event schedules. You will be instrumental in providing an immaculate playing surface that upholds the stadium's reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily maintenance and upkeep of the main pitch and surrounding grounds.
• Develop and implement comprehensive turf management plans, including fertilization, irrigation, aeration, and pest/disease control.
• Manage the operation, maintenance, and repair of all groundskeeping machinery and equipment.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of groundskeeping staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards.
• Monitor pitch conditions closely and implement corrective actions to ensure optimal playability and safety.
• Plan and execute pitch renovation projects, including seasonal preparations and post-event repairs.
• Manage the budget for groundskeeping operations, including supplies and equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, soil analysis, and applied treatments.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations on site.
• Stay updated on best practices and emerging technologies in turf management.

Requirements

• Significant experience (minimum 7 years) in professional sports turf management, preferably in a Head Groundsman or Deputy Head Groundsman role.
• Extensive knowledge of turfgrass species, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining a wide range of groundskeeping equipment.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures related to groundskeeping.
• A diploma or certificate in Horticulture, Turf Management, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, especially during the event season.
• Physical fitness and ability to perform manual tasks as required.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Retirement fund
• Generous annual leave
• Opportunities for further training and professional development
• Access to stadium events

This role provides a unique opportunity to manage the playing surface of a key sporting venue in East London, contributing directly to the quality of major sporting events held there. Join a dedicated team committed to maintaining the highest standards in sports facility management.