In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Reporting organisationally to the FIFA26 Inc. Senior Pitch Manager – Training Sites, the Pitch Manager – Training Sites will be a key member of the FIFA26 Pitch Infrastructure team.
The main responsibilities and oversights of the Pitch Manager Training Site for the FIFA World Cup 26™ include:
- Integration and monitoring of the overall pitch management strategy into the host cities pitch programmes to achieve consistency and uniformity across all Training Sites.
- Overseeing the infrastructural pitch delivery plan of Training Sites.
- Liaison with all Training Site Authorities on any pitch design / construction / renovation matters.
- Implementation and monitoring of the FIFA Requirements in Pitch Management delivery life cycle.
- Maintain an understanding and support integration of the Pitch Research Programme outcomes in collaboration with Senior Pitch Infrastructure Manager.
- Liaise with internal Stakeholders and Functional areas in the associated Host City Clusters.
- Develop and monitor a Project Management Plan and Pitch delivery Risk Management Plan which includes Pitch Protection, Recovery and Replacement Plans.
- Ensuring that pitch construction readiness is reported, and action plans are completed according to the schedule; addressing and escalating any issues thereon as required.
- Working in conjunction with Training Site Turf Managers to prepare, implement and monitor weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules (as applicable to FIFA use periods) to ensure all ground staff deliver the required standard of playing surfaces daily.
- Ensuring all pitch operations carried out according to agreed framework.
- Working with the Senior Pitch Management Manager to deliver an Education and Training Programme designed specifically at addressing key areas of turf maintenance in line with the tournament pitch operational requirements.
- Directed by the Director Infrastructure and Technical Service, and reports to the Senior Pitch Infrastructure Manager.
- Integration and monitoring of the overall pitch management strategy into the host cities pitch programmes to achieve consistency and uniformity across all Training Sites.
- Overseeing the infrastructural pitch delivery plan of Training Sites.
- Liaison with all Training Site Authorities on any pitch design / construction / renovation matters.
- Implementation and monitoring of the FIFA Requirements in Pitch Management delivery life cycle.
- Maintain an understanding and support integration of the Pitch Research Programme outcomes in collaboration with Senior Pitch Infrastructure Manager.
- Liaise with internal Stakeholders and Functional areas in the associated Host City Clusters.
- Develop and monitor a Project Management Plan and Pitch delivery Risk Management Plan which includes Pitch Protection, Recovery and Replacement Plans.
- Ensuring that pitch construction readiness is reported, and action plans are completed according to the schedule; addressing and escalating any issues thereon as required.
- Working in conjunction with Training Site Turf Managers to prepare, implement and monitor weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules (as applicable to FIFA use periods) to ensure all ground staff deliver the required standard of playing surfaces daily.
- Ensuring all pitch operations carried out according to agreed framework.
- Working with the Senior Pitch Management Manager to deliver an Education and Training Programme designed specifically at addressing key areas of turf maintenance in line with the tournament pitch operational requirements.
- Directed by the Director Infrastructure and Technical Service, and reports to the Senior Pitch Infrastructure Manager.
THE POSITION Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Agronomy, or minimum Level 4 Qualifications for Turf Management.
- The experience should have related to constructing or managing elite professional pitches on a training site as well as in a stadium environment.
- Hold recognised turf management qualifications.
- Have experience and be familiar with modern turf maintenance equipment in stadiums.
- Have an extensive working knowledge of state of the art growing aids such as growing lights and vacuum and ventilation systems.
- Be familiar with the maintenance techniques required to maintain hybrid pitches.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 5 years as either:
- a Grounds Manager or Head Groundsman at a Professional Football or Multi-use Stadium/Arena with natural turf surface, or
- a Senior Project Manager or Sports Surface Consultant working with Internationally recognised Venues, Events and/or Sports Clubs.
- Minimum 3-years’ experience of planning and delivery of venues for an International Football/Soccer Events and/or Professional Football/Soccer Tournaments (e.g.: EPL/MLS/etc.).
- Experience of working with a team/staff with different backgrounds and skill sets.
- Past Experience working in the North American Turf Industry is preferred.
Languages
- Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and/or French proficiency is a plus
Technology
- Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio & Project) and planning software and online collaboration tools
- Miro Board, Whiteboard
- Pitch Performance and Environmental testing and evaluation methods and measurements
YOUR PROFILE
