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Head Greenkeeper

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West Derby Golf Club – Head Greenkeeper

Head Greenkeeper

Head Greenkeeper

The successful candidate will enjoy an autonomous working environment. The role is salaried, permanent and full time (40 hrs) and includes weekend work, though the Club embraces a flexible approach to working. West Derby Golf Club is an equal opportunities employer and is led by a progressive Council, supported by the Club Administration and PGA Professional.

The management of the golf course and Greenkeeping Staff in line with the strategic plan ensuring the maintenance, upkeep and agronomic heath of the golf course to an agreed standard and that it exceeds the expectations of Members and guests of the club.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Service

  • Manage the golf course and the Greenkeeping Team in accordance with the Club Golf Course Maintenance Policy, the Health and Safety Policy, independent agronomic advice and the Club Strategic Plan
  • Carry out effective turf and course maintenance through the establishment of schedules and maintenance programmes which maximise efficiency on the course, appreciating and managing the demands of Member play and high-volume visitor golf in planning and executing such schedules at a busy golf Club
  • Prepare the course for play including marking hazards, GUR, Penalty Zones, setting of tee markers, preparation of bunkers, general course maintenance, maintenance of course furniture and pathways
  • Manage and supervise the preparation of course machinery
  • Manage and conduct construction and renovation projects
  • Operate and maintain the irrigation systems
  • Maintain the drainage systems to ensure optimum performance
  • Plan and carry out aeration programmes to ensure optimum performance
  • Plan and manage the control of weeds, pests and disease
  • Communicate regularly, on a timely and appropriate basis with staff, Members and Management

Budgeting

  • Delegated responsibility for the management of the Greens Budget, in conjunction with the Chair of Greens ensuring appropriate controls, checks and balances are in place
  • Manage financial resources and overtime budgets (where applicable)
  • Provide analytical information to the Chair of Greens and General Committee to support decision making
  • Suggest project work and provide budgets for them so far as is reasonably practicable and work to any agreed budget
  • Maintain appropriate levels of supplies ensuring the same and effective control of all stored materials and grounds maintenance products

Staff

  • Delegate and allocate work to the Greenkeeping Team and any volunteers
  • Communicate effectively and supervise the Greenkeeping Team and volunteers in the duties, ensuring all works are carried out in a safe manner and to the highest of standards
  • In conjunction with the Chair of Greens, identify team and individual development needs and opportunities providing support and guidance and adequate development activities to support the individuals
  • Conduct performance appraisals of the team at a minimum of annual intervals
  • Carry out inductions with new members of the Greenkeeping Team as and when appropriate
  • Report any matters of a potential disciplinary nature to the Chair of Greens and support the Chair of Greens in any disciplinary or investigative procedures

Standards

  • Utilise Member, visitor, staff and management feedback to identify improvements to the golf course
  • Ensure the correct procedures are followed regarding the use of machinery, fertilisers and chemicals
  • Collect, survey, record, report, communicate and utilise data from the golf course and environment
  • Regularly report to Management and Members on the condition of the golf course, utilising digital images and technology where appropriate
  • Promote the Club through regular positive content via social media platforms
  • Take all reasonable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, visitors, Members and contractors by following all Health and Safety Guidelines and by following legislative guidelines for the preparation, use and disposal of chemicals, the safe use of tools, plant and equipment and by promoting safe working practices in areas of operation of the course.
  • Ensure that all faults and defects relating to the condition of the course, equipment, tools, buildings etc within the remit of grounds maintenance are reported to the Chair of Greens and any reasonable actions acted upon in an urgent manner
  • Communicate risks and hazards to the Chair of Greens and the Club Administrator
  • Comply with Club policies, rules and procedures at all times
  • Work as part of a team and actively demonstrate a willingness to support and achieve the overall Club objectives and Strategic Plan
  • Keep abreast of modern advances in materials, methods and machinery in Greenkeeping, undertaking Continuous Professional Development in line with the current and changing requirements of the role

General

  • To be proactive in driving improvements across all areas of the Club aligned to the Strategic Plan
  • To take responsibility for the security of the Greenkeeping buildings, further ensuring appropriate controls are in place to ensure the security of all plant, machinery, tools and equipment
  • Have a thorough understanding of Club theft preventative procedures, ensuring the emergency call out list is up to date and an up-to-date list is retained for key contact details for keyholders, ensuring only authorised key holders have access to secure Club premises

Desirable Skills

  • Proficient in the use of ICT
  • Certified to operate chainsaws
  • First Aid Qualified

This list is not exhaustive and is designed to provide a guide to the main responsibilities and duties of the role. It is expected that all personnel will undertake duties outside of the scope of this document from time to time

Salary: £42,000.00 – £45,000.00 per annum depending on experience

To Apply: Please send a copy of your CV and a Covering letter to office@westderbygc.co.uk

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

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Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing: Howardson Group is pleased to welcome Darren McMahon as the new Head of Marketing.

Darren’s career has spanned several industries, with roles at Aga-Rangemaster, Valor Fires, and, most recently, Viessmann, a family-owned German company where he spent 14 years leading UK marketing, training, and public affairs. His extensive background in high-quality product manufacturing and customer-focused marketing makes him a perfect fit for Howardson Group, which includes the Dennis, SISIS, Hunter Grinders, and Syn-Pro by SISIS brands.

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Darren McMahon Joins Howardson Group as Head of Marketing

Speaking about what attracted him to the role, Darren said:

“As a family-owned business, decisions are made for the long term. There’s a very high drive for product quality, which I believe is extremely important. Customers should receive the very best product that we can manufacture, and the product should do the job for which it’s purchased. To support these products in the Dennis, Hunter Grinder, SISIS, and Syn-Pro ranges, there’s a crystal-clear focus on delivering the kind of service our customers would expect from a premium business.”

Since joining, Darren has already had an immersive introduction to the industry. Within his first five weeks, he attended three major exhibitions in the UK and USA, met with dealers, customers, and industry experts, and even got hands-on experience using Dennis and SISIS machines on both natural and synthetic surfaces.

“I think I joined at the best time to get a good feel for the company and the industry,” Darren said. “It’s been incredibly busy, but I have a growing appreciation for the hard work that goes into the preparation and maintenance of playing surfaces by groundscare professionals and how difficult the job is.”

Darren’s vision for the role focuses on two key objectives:

“I can break my objectives down into two areas,” Darren explained. “First, is to protect the historic legacy that’s gone into building the brand perceptions and reputations of today as a result of the hard work of others up to this point. Second, it’s to use that strong base to support further expansion of the Howardson Group, both locally in the UK and Irish markets and more internationally around the world where there are further opportunities for high-quality machines coupled with superior service.”

Away from work, Darren is an avid cyclist, finding peace in long countryside rides.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting on my road bike on a crisp day, heading into the countryside, and enjoying the beautiful country we live in but usually take for granted rushing from one place to another,” he shared.

Howardson Group is excited to have Darren on board and looks forward to his contributions in driving the company’s growth while upholding its legacy of quality and service.

For further information visit www.howardsongroup.com

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

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Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards: Corey Finn, Cluster Director of Agronomy for Viya Golf Abu Dhabi, has been honoured with the prestigious Department Head Award at Yas Island’s Ruwad Awards. 

This accolade celebrates exceptional leadership and excellence in departmental management, celebrating Corey’s’s instrumental role in overseeing golf course operations and ensuring top-tier conditions for world-class events such as the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links.

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

Corey Finn Wins Department Head Award at Yas Island Ruwad Awards

With over eight years of experience working within Aldar golf facilities, Corey has been pivotal in managing world-class golf courses, including Yas Links Abu Dhabi, ranked the number one course in the Middle East and Africa region. His expertise in sustainable agronomy and tournament preparation has set new benchmarks in golf course management, ensuring the highest standards for prestigious international events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Corey played a crucial role in hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a key tournament in the DP World Tour’s season-ending playoff series. Under his leadership, Yas Links consistently met the highest standards required for professional play, enhancing both the quality of competition and the global reputation of Yas Island as a premier golf destination.

The Ruwad Awards, launched by Miral, celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses that contribute to the growth and success of Yas Island as a global destination. This recognition highlights Corey’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, reinforcing Yas Island’s position as a premier location for world-class sporting events.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” said Corey Finn. “It’s a recognition of the passion and dedication I put into my work, and I’m incredibly grateful to be acknowledged among such talented professionals in the industry.”

In addition to this award, Corey’s contributions have been widely recognised, including winning the 59club Agronomy Team of the Year award for Best Conditioned Golf Course at Yas Links in 2021 and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club in 2022. Over the years, he has also mentored and empowered team members, fostering the next generation of turf management professionals.

The Ruwad Awards ceremony took place at Hilton Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, bringing together leading professionals, influencers, and industry experts to celebrate excellence and achievement in the businesses that shape Yas Island’s success.

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Head Groundsperson

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Oldham Athletic has a new vacancy for the position of Head Groundsperson at the club.

Head Groundsperson

Head Groundsperson

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, innovative and committed individual to undertake the key role of ensuring the maintenance of all playing surfaces and management of the grounds team.

The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards.

JOB TITLE: Head Groundsperson

LOCATIONS:
Boundary Park, Furtherwood Road, OL1 2PA
Chapel Road Training Ground, OL8 4QL

REPORTS TO: CEO, Head of Operations

REPORTING STAFF: Grounds Staff

WORKING HOURS: 37.5 Hours per week plus attendance at all home fixtures.

SALARY: Dependent on experience.

Main Role Purpose

The Head Groundsperson will have overall responsibility for the delivery of pitch maintenance and improvement at all club sites to the highest standards. They will also manage a team of staff to deliver the highest quality playing surfaces and work flexibly in accordance with first team commitments.

  • The roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
  • Presentation of all pitches to the highest standard for matches and training schedules.
  • Carrying out general grounds duties such as cutting the grass, watering the pitch, marking the pitch and match preparations.
  • Be present at all home fixtures to liaise with coaches and ensure a smooth running of events.
  • Creation of work and fertiliser programmes to ensure the pitches are maintained to the highest possible standard.
  • Establishing and managing budgets for all aspects of work undertaken and ensuring that those budgets are adhered to.
  • Liaising with suppliers to order products and services where required.
  • Ensure machinery is maintained and serviced to an acceptable standard.
  • Managing and upskilling staff to ensure that they can carry out their duties in an efficient manner and to an acceptable standard.
  • Presenting and managing an end of season/closed season pitch renovation programme ensuring the required work is carried out by suppliers.
  • Liaising with the First Team Manager, Academy and coaching staff on a daily basis to ensure pitches are appropriately prepared for training.
  • Providing support and training to apprentices.
  • Maintaining and creating relationships with key suppliers.
  • Be available for the required training sessions, based around training schedules.
  • Any other duties as required and directed by the Owners, Directors, Club Secretary or Head of operations.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Qualified with an NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent qualification.
  • Experience working in both football and rugby.
  • Experience in working on professional sports pitches.
  • Experience working on a hybrid pitch construction.
  • PA1, 2 and 6 Spraying certificates.
  • Competent IT skills.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Experience of managing teams of operatives, planning and organising workloads, allocating duties and monitoring performances.
  • Able to work effectively lead a team and independently using own initiative.
  • Competent management and maintenance of irrigation systems.
  • Experience in the management of pitch lighting systems.
  • Full UK Driving License and own vehicle.

Benefits

  • Free membership at Glo Gym
  • Staff Discount at The Athletic Store
  • Complementary tickets to home games for friends or family
  • Free Parking
  • Funded Training Opportunities

Safeguarding

  • To ensure compliance with the company’s safeguarding policy a DBS will be a requirement for this role due to the immediate presence around the changing facilities & young people in the workplace.

How to Apply

  • To apply please provide your CV plus a covering letter including why you would be the ideal candidate for the role, your previous experience and salary expectations to: sheridan@oldhamathletic.co.uk.
  • Closing date for applications is – Friday 28 March 2025, 5pm
  • We may conduct interviews before the closing date. All interviews will be at the earliest available opportunity.

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

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Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%: A groundbreaking field trial in South Africa has demonstrated that RootVita® SP, Bionema Group’s innovative biostimulant technology, can increase Maize head size by 50%, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture.

A prominent Maize farmer in South Africa tested this product in partnership with Bionema Group to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

Bionema’s RootVita® SP Increases Maize Head Size by 50%

The Global Importance of Maize

Maize is the most widely grown cereal crop in the world, feeding over 1.2 billion people globally. It is a staple food for over 300 million Africans, accounting for 30–50% of daily calorie intake. With increasing climate challenges, soil degradation, and fertiliser price volatility, improving Maize productivity is critical for developing nations’ food security and economic stability.

Why This Matters for Africa

Africa’s Maize production is expected to fall by up to 30% by 2050 due to climate change and depleting soil nutrients, threatening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. South Africa, one of the continent’s largest Maize producers, faces rising input costs and erratic rainfall, making sustainable solutions like RootVita® SP crucial.

The successful 2024–2025 field trials of RootVita® SP demonstrated:

✔ 50% increase in Maize head size.
✔ Improved soil microbiome activity for long-term fertility.
✔ Higher resilience to environmental stress.
✔ Reduced reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

Field Trial Findings: Transforming Maize Productivity

The trial, conducted across multiple farms in South Africa, was initiated in late 2024 and continued through the 2025 maize-growing season. The region’s soils often suffer from nutrient deficiencies, and climate variability has made crop production more challenging.

RootVita® SP, when integrated into standard Maize farming practices, significantly improved nutrient absorption, root development, and overall plant vigour, resulting in larger Maize heads and improved grain quality. These findings highlight the critical role of biostimulants in modern agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers

With the rising costs of synthetic fertilisers and stricter global regulations on chemical inputs, farmers are turning to biological alternatives to maintain productivity without harming the environment. RootVita® SP offers a cost-effective, sustainable alternative that boosts yield and improves soil health and crop resilience against climate stress.

Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema, said, “This trial reinforces Bionema’s commitment to creating innovative biological solutions that transform modern agriculture. A 50% increase in Maize head size is a game-changer, particularly in regions where food security and soil health are pressing concerns. RootVita® SP is proving to be a sustainable alternative that allows farmers to maximise yields while reducing their reliance on chemical inputs.”

About Bionema Group

Bionema Group is a pioneering biotech company specialising in biocontrol and biostimulant solutions for sustainable crop production and plant health management. With a strong focus on biological alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, Bionema’s products support farmers and growers in improving yields, enhancing soil health, and reducing environmental impact.

For more information on RootVita® SP and its application in Maize and other crops, visit: www.bionema.com

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