Job Description

Head of Stadiums
JOB TITLE: Head of Stadiums
DEPARTMENT: Playing Surfaces and Landscaping
REPORTING TO: Director of Global playing surfaces and landscaping
JOB FUNCTION: To play a key role in the Grounds management team in the maintenance and development of the playing surface to elite stadium quality. Ensuring that the health and safety procedures are followed to the full and delivering the highest standard pitches, as set out by the Director of Global Playing Surfaces and Landscaping, as well as supporting with implementing the strategy and plan with high level attention to detail.
LOCATION: Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow
CONTRACT: Permanent, 40 hours, Any 5 in 7 days.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (Play Your Part):

• To provide senior leadership and direction for the Playing Surfaces and Landscaping teams across Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow Stadiums
• Supporting the Director of Global Playing Surfaces and Landscaping to implement the department strategy and plan
• Lead on the planning and organisation of maintenance, general up-keep and cleanliness across both Stadiums
• Responsible for all aspects of preparing and maintaining a works programme to ensure playing surfaces are of the highest standard
• Managing and developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Undertaking general maintenance operations associated with pitch and stadium management
• Divoting and repairing of pitches after matches and training sessions
• Undertaking general routine maintenance operations including:
  • Use of tractors and other various tractor implements
  • Use of pedestrian/hand-held machinery
  • Setting up, preparing and maintaining of the pitch to a high standard
  • Setting and marking out of all Pitches and Training areas
  • Applying various fertilisers using a tractor mounted spreader or pedestrian spreader

• Ability to undertake and oversee end of season renovation processes
• Comply with all Health and Safety regulations and requirements within the Company and your role.
• Ability to work with Grow lights and undersoil heating
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery is properly maintained, secured and to report any faults or defects immediately.
• To work and act in a professional manner and wearing the appropriate uniform/work wear that will be provided at all times.
• Accountable for leading Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) within their area
• Align the teams’ activities to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) outcomes.
• Communicate their commitment to ED&I to their staff and across the Club
• To undertake any other tasks required as directed by the Director of Global Playing Surfaces and Landscaping

DO THE RIGHT THING (Our Expectations):

• To demonstrate and live by the club’s values; Here to Win, Be Brave, Do the Right Thing, Play Your Part, Many Teams, One Club and Proud to Be Chelsea
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications:
Essential

• Minimum NVQ level 3 in Sports Turf Maintenance (or equivalent)

Experience:
Essential

• At least 5 years’ experience in an elite stadium environment
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team at senior level
• Ability to lead on and implement a department strategy
• Demonstrable experience of working knowledge of health and safety processes and procedures
• Passionate and willing to work outdoors and in all weathers.
• Passionate and willing to work both in a team but also on your own initiative.
• Able to work in a professional and responsible manner.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to manage across dual sites – previous experience of this would be desirable
• Personal qualities include excellent time management, attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills
• A flexible approach to working hours, particularly weekends and bank holidays is a must.
• Good IT skills, with the ability to produce good quality reporting and manage online platforms

The Employee must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to Chelsea Football Club policies and procedures in particular Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and with regard to the Data Protection Act. The Employee must act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are in their care or attending the Company’s premises. The Employee must report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the Safeguarding Lead.
Chelsea Football Club and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. As a consequence, Chelsea FC may require any successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to working at our premises. Successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening appropriate to the post applied for.
The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and customers.
The above Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive, the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.

To apply for this role click here.