Location: QEII Ground, Swyncombe Avenue, W5 4DR ( home of Middlesex Women’s & Girls’ cricket)

Salary: £35 000pa
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Reports to: Director of Cricket

Start date: 5 January 2027

Why Join

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of the QEII Ground, the home of Middlesex Women's and Girls' Cricket, and play a key role in the continued growth of the women's game.

As Ground Maintenance Manager, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding playing surfaces, leading all aspects of ground maintenance and site management, and helping establish QEII as one of the leading cricket venues for women's and girls' cricket.

About the Venue

The QEII Ground is the home of Middlesex Cricket's Women's and Girls' programme and one of the Club's key performance venues. The site features an elite-spec cricket square, eight natural turf match pitches, six practice pitches, extensive outfield facilities and a new non-turf practice area. Hosting professional, pathway and community cricket throughout the season, the venue requires exceptional standards of preparation and presentation all year round.

The Role

As Ground Maintenance Manager, you will lead the delivery of exceptional playing surfaces and oversee all aspects of ground maintenance at the QEII Ground. You will be responsible for maintaining an outstanding cricket environment that supports elite performance while ensuring the venue is safe, sustainable and presented to the highest standards throughout the year.

Working closely with the Director of Cricket and wider cricket operations team, you will plan and deliver annual maintenance programmes, manage budgets and resources, and drive the continuous development of the facility. This is a hands-on role offering significant ownership and the opportunity to shape one of Middlesex Cricket's flagship venues.

Key Responsibilities

Cricket Ground Preparation & Maintenance

• Prepare, maintain and present all cricket pitches, practice facilities and outfield areas to the highest performance standards throughout the year.
• Plan and deliver annual pitch preparation, renovation and maintenance programmes to support professional, pathway and community cricket.
• Monitor turf performance and implement irrigation, fertiliser, weed, pest and disease management programmes to optimise playing conditions.
• Operate, programme and maintain modern turf care equipment, including ride-on, pedestrian and robotic machinery.
• Undertake seasonal renovations, landscaping and general grounds maintenance, ensuring all external areas are maintained to a high standard.

Matchday Operations

• Prepare all matchday facilities and equipment, including pitch markings, boundaries, sight screens, covers and practice nets.
• Liaise with coaches, umpires and cricket operations staff regarding pitch preparation, playing conditions and weather-related decisions.
• Develop and manage pitch usage plans to ensure the long-term quality and sustainability of playing surfaces.

Leadership & Facilities Management

• Lead, supervise and develop seasonal grounds staff, apprentices, volunteers and contractors where required.
• Maintain, service and manage all grounds machinery, equipment, buildings and supporting infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Support the recruitment, training and development of additional grounds staff as required.
• Manage the grounds maintenance budget, procurement of equipment, materials and contractor services.
• Maintain accurate records relating to maintenance activities, machinery servicing, pesticide applications and site inspections.
• Produce reports on pitch performance, site development and budget expenditure, recommending continuous improvements.

Budget, Planning and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments, environmental standards and Club policies, promoting safe working practices across all grounds operations.

About You

Essential Criteria

• Level 2 qualification (or higher) in Sports Turf Management or equivalent.
• Minimum three years' experience maintaining cricket squares and outfields.
• Experience preparing cricket pitches throughout an entire season.
• Strong understanding of fine turf management.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and turf care programmes.
• Excellent knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
• Experience using modern grounds maintenance machinery.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise workload.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Flexible approach to seasonal working patterns.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working at professional or first-class cricket venues.
• PA1, PA2 and PA6 pesticide qualifications (or willingness to obtain).
• GMA Membership.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience managing grounds budgets.
• Experience supervising staff or apprentices.
• Experience using automated or robotic mowing systems.
• Basic building and facility maintenance skills.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead one of the country's newest women's cricket facilities.
• High levels of ownership and autonomy.
• Ongoing professional development.
• Training opportunities.
• Pension scheme.
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Club uniform and PPE.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities to work alongside elite cricket professionals.
• A chance to play a key role in the future of women's cricket at Middlesex.

Safeguarding

Middlesex Cricket is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All employees are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to all appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check where applicable.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Middlesex Cricket is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and working environment.

How to Apply

Apply now

Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Applicants shortlisted for interview will also be required to complete Middlesex Cricket's Safer Recruitment Application Form.