Deputy Head Grounds Person - Wheatsheaf Park Stadium

Job Title: Deputy Head Grounds Person

Department: Grounds Team

Reporting: Head of Grounds Person

Location: Wheatsheaf Park Stadium

Salary:per annum

Closing Date: 24 July 2024

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brandnew stadium 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates including those from underrepresented groups such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds women those from the LGBTQ community and those with disabilities.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club safeguarding is everyones responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the clubs commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of the Deputy Head Grounds person at the Wheatsheaf Lane Stadium

We require a worldclass Deputy Head Grounds person to help us build up and manage our pitch maintenance and management resources. This is a vital role at Brentford FC we aim to have one of the best stadium pitches within the B team and Academy divisions and we are committed to continuing to invest in this area over the coming seasons.

The ideal candidate will have a track record of delivering an outstanding playing surface at an elite level. They will have experience of working with and leading an inhouse team of ground staff as well as the ability to make any use of seasonal/ matchday contracting staff at the Club. We would expect this person to have a deep knowledge of pitch maintenance. This candidate will also have experience of presenting and servicing a stadium pitch.

This person will have very strong communication skills which will ensure that communication with coaches and other pitch users underpins the processes which enable the delivery of a worldclass stadium pitch. They will have a strong attention to detail excellent planning and be able to lead a team that presents and maintains a world class stadium pitch. Ideally they will also have existing management experience.

Main Accountabilities

• Maintain the Wheatsheaf Lane Stadium pitch for up to 60 matchdays.
• Report to the Head of Grounds at the BFC club.
• Undertaking general maintenance operations associated with pitch and stadium management and be confident in using their own initiative to carry out the relevant duties within this role to support the Head of Grounds person.
• Divoting and repairing of stadium pitch after match and any training sessions.
• Undertaking general routine maintenance operations including:

• Use of tractors and other various tractor implements.
• Use of pedestrian/handheld machinery
• Setting up preparing and maintaining of the pitch to a high standard
• Setting and marking out of stadium pitch and technical areas
• Applying various fertilisers using a tractor mounted spreader or pedestrian spreader.
• Irrigation management.

• Ability to facilitate mini renovations using relevant equipment and processes.
• Manage the maintenance for the machinery by performing repairs or contracting maintenance services as needed.
• Track pitch usage and upkeep as well as anticipated long & shortterm improvements and maintenance to include administrative tasks such as pitch testing moisture readings firmness cut height and other specifics for preparing weekly reports for Head of Grounds and communication for weekly schedules.
• Keep the surrounding grounds properly cared for and landscaped.
• Lead members of the Ground staff within a stadium team to ensure that the Club is able to meet its target of delivering a worldclass stadium pitch.
• Ensure facilities and practices meet health and safety requirements and that they comply with legislation.
• Use performance management techniques to monitor and demonstrate achievement of agreed service levels and to lead to improvement.
• This job description does not contain all the duties and responsibilities that may arise in this role and you will need to undertake other duties as instructed or on initiative to ensure the safe operational functioning of the stadium.
• Expectation to be in attendance for at least 95% of football fixtures as this role will require a commitment towards working weekends and evenings as well as bank holidays to suit the relevant football fixture schedules. A flexible approach to working hours is required to meet the required timescales.
• Supporting Apprenticeship Sports Turf Operative learning programme

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies including safeguarding health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR)
• To ensure compliance with the Clubs Code of Conduct.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal regulatory ethical and social requirements
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times
• To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes and the Clubs Safeguarding Policy and processes
• To ensure compliance with the Clubs Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
• To promote equity diversity and inclusion at the Club in line with our EDI strategy

Person Specification Essential Characteristics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Competent with Microsoft Office packages particularly Word and Outlook
• Confident working alongside senior management.
• Experience being a Head or Deputy Grounds person and managing a team within sporting environments.
• NVQ L3 qualification in sports turf green keeping and groundspersonship or equivalent.
• A selfstarter with a high level of initiative proactivity and assertive approach
• Uses initiative with minimal supervision including in challenging situations.
• Can manage a heavy workload with strict deadlines.
• A clean UK driving license to allow for travel to and from the stadium and training ground or other sites.
• Flexible and willing to take on adhoc tasks as this role will require evening and weekend working to accommodate the Wheatsheaf Lane Stadium fixtures.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and excellent timekeepers.