Job Title: Senior Grounds Team Member
Responsible to: Head of Commercial Operations
Primary location: Solihull Riding Club.
Salary: Depending on experience
Working Hours: 40 hours per week including frequent weekend working
Holiday: 28 days including Bank Holidays
Primary purpose of the post
To proactively ensure the grounds, arenas and facilities are maintained to the highest standards, supervising the work of a second grounds person.
To work with the Events Management Team to enable maximum use of and access to grounds, arenas and facilities for competition, training, hire and members leisure riding, including use of Events Office computer based systems to review bookings and facility availability.
To work with the Events Management Team to deliver top class shows and events.
Key responsibilities (including but not limited to)
Delivery of consistently high-quality equestrian sports surfaces and facilities
- Establish and implement a clear maintenance schedule for all arenas, buildings and facilities, using the Events Office’s schedule to plan works, and using tools such as Word and emails.
- Work with autonomy and supervise the work of a second grounds person, ensuring all work is undertaken in a timely and safe manner
- Contribute proactively to the weekly full team meeting, and participate in a weekly grounds meeting with the Head of Commercial Operations
- Own the implementation of the grounds management plan with guidance from the in-house course designer/builder & external consultants, building and maintaining good working relationships
- Demonstrate a high level of competence in the use, maintenance and storage of equipment for example, tractor with associated appliances, quad bike and mower
- Establish and implement equipment servicing and monitoring programmes to minimise the risk of equipment failure
- Establish and manage appropriate stock levels of essential consumables
- Liaise with the Head of Commercial Operations to forward plan routine and exceptional maintenance or development, co-ordinating work to minimise the impact on members and other users, and using Word and emails to support this work
- Establish an annual forward plan of work to enable effective preparation for larger events and the best use of team resources at quieter times, using Word
- Fully engaged in day-to-day work in hand, including operating alongside team members as a leader and role model, with an enthusiastic “can do” attitude
- Supervise appropriate external contractors / temporary staff to ensure work is completed to a satisfactory standard, following up on any deficiencies
Site Management
- Ensure the buildings and site are appropriately locked down and unlocked according to the day’s activities, and in liaison with the Club’s security lead
- Ensure security systems are properly functioning and are used in accordance with agreed processes
- Review security arrangements and make recommendations for improvement as necessary
- Ensure the site is kept clean and tidy
- Ensure stables are maintained in a ‘ready to use’ condition
- Respond to any emergencies or urgent issues that arise, acting as part of the Club’s Out of Hours Emergency Response Team
- Liaise with suppliers via email and telephone, ensuring best value for money for grounds supplies and placing orders to ensure timely receipt of goods. Share quotes on email with the Head of Commercial Operations for sign off on purchase.
Preparation, delivery and break down of shows and events
- Liaise with course builders to ensure the appropriate preparation of show jumping and cross-country tracks
- Assist in the building of show jumping and cross-country tracks
- Establish clear standards for the requirements of different types of competition
- Ensure all rings and courses are set to the required standard in good time for planned events
- Ensure the safe set up of judges’ boxes, sound systems, lighting systems, portaloos etc
- Act as key point of contact for all grounds and facilities matters at larger shows
- Ensure all health and safety requirements have been met and contribute to the associated risk assessments in association with Health & Safety leads
- Ensure all equipment is repaired and / or stored appropriately after the event to ensure its availability for the next event. Report all breakages and requests for replacements promptly.
- Ensure a full and timely breakdown of all shows and events
Leadership & Management of the Grounds Team members
- Ensure team members understand their roles and responsibilities, and that they adhere to the centres policies, systems and processes (particularly those relating to health and safety of staff and users)
- Provide day to day supervision of grounds team members, prioritising & progressing work to be done and delegating appropriately, leading by example
- Ensure team members are competent to fulfil their duties safely, providing or arranging appropriate training
- Plan and manage the grounds team rota, (including holiday requests) to ensure appropriate staffing for the activities planned, and using an appropriate tool to do this (such as Word or Excel)
- Provide effective support and feedback to grounds team members so that they are well motivated, productive and enjoying their work
Key skills, competencies, experience & attitudes required.
- A self-starter with a desire to get things done, and the ability to work with autonomy
- Effective management skills
- Professional approach to work and the public
- Personable with strong communication & interpersonal skills: has the ability to work well with a diverse range of people.
- Able to manage workloads, recognise priorities and meet deadlines.
- Enthusiastic with excellent team working skills.
- ‘Can do’ attitude, flexible and prepared to get stuck in when needed.
- Physically fit and able to work with the team at events.
- Knowledge and experience of grounds and arena maintenance
- Good knowledge and highly competent in the use of a range of agricultural equipment
Desirable
- An understanding of equestrian events across a range of disciplines.
Closing Date: Tuesday 27th October
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Amanda Seabright – amanda@solihullridingclub.co.uk
