Tag Archive for: Manager

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

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Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager: The Sports Turf apprenticeship trailblazer group are pleased to announce that a new Level 5 apprenticeship, with integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has been published subject to funding band approval.

The new Level 5 apprenticeship will be titled Sports Turf Technical Manager with delivery proposed for late 2025 or early 2026. The integration of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf provides a high-quality vehicle for learning and allows the apprentice to achieve an industry leading degree level qualification as part of their apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

As the professional body for grounds management, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) has recently issued a formal letter of recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) confirming that the qualifications are a suggested requirement for professional recognition at a range of levels of membership across our broad industry.

The sports turf trailblazer view this as a potentially game changing educational development for the Sports Turf Industry, offering a funded educational pathway from initial entry into the industry, to degree level.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Employers are encouraged to check the funding rules for more information and eligibility, but apprenticeship levy payers will receive funds up to the funding band maximum, whilst non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards the cost of training. The funding of the government backed sports turf apprenticeships removes the primary barriers faced by apprentices and employers which in turn should increase uptake of apprenticeships and drive professionalisation at all levels within the industry.

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0210-v1-2 . Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1323-v1-1 Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1410

The sports turf apprenticeship trailblazer group is a voluntary group consisting of leading industry professionals, education providers and industry bodies. Trailblazer chairperson Daniel Ratling and Facilitator Dr Jonathan Knowles would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of apprenticeships over the last eight years.

Expressions of interest for the new L5 Sports Turf Technical Manager are welcome here https://forms.office.com/e/edTeaZfv3E

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Equipment Manager

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Alvarez & Marsal Golf (A&M Golf) is pleased to announce the recruitment of a Golf Course Equipment/Workshop Manager.

Equipment Manager

Equipment Manager

The A&M Fife Golf Development is located just two miles south of the home of golf, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the golf course towards St. Andrews and across the sea to Carnoustie.

A&M Golf is deeply passionate about the camaraderie of golf, a core value that drives its business. The company owns and operates premium properties, including Hogs Head Golf Club in Waterville, Ireland, and Paako Ridge Golf Club in New Mexico, USA. These venues are designed to engage, inspire, and excite both members and guests, delivering exceptional “Bucket List” experiences with outstanding service and hospitality.

The new St Andrews development will provide members and non-members with a variety of world-class amenities, including:

  • An 18-hole championship golf course with top-tier practice facilities
  • A Par 3 course and a Himalayan putting course
  • A clubhouse, spa, lodge, and cottages
  • The restoration of the original farmhouse building to create a unique halfway house dining experience

Golf Course Equipment/Workshop Manager

Reporting to the Director of Agronomy, the Golf Course Equipment/Workshop Manager will be a key member of the Golf Course Senior Management Team, playing a pivotal role in the selection, procurement, and long-term maintenance of the grow-in and operational machinery fleet as well as the golf club’s full vehicle fleet, supporting all departments across the property.

The successful candidate will be actively involved in the recruitment of workshop staff, as well as the layout, specification, and operational planning of a state-of-the-art workshop within the agronomy facilities, with construction scheduled to begin in early May.

This appointment represents another major milestone as A&M Golf continues to build a high-calibre team of professionals committed to delivering an exceptional golf and hospitality experience.

The Equipment Manager will be responsible for: –

  • Maintaining a safe working environment
  • Planning and implementing a preventative maintenance schedule for all equipment
  • Inspecting equipment for operating deficiencies, repairing and adjusting equipment as needed
  • Establishing safety procedures and maintaining safety records for equipment operations
  • Performing grinding and sharpening methods to ensure all cutting units are sharp daily
  • Purchasing of parts, supplies and materials
  • The safe and environmentally sound use of storage and disposal of hazardous materials (fuel, grease, solvents, etc.)
  • Maintaining service, repair and usage records on all equipment
  • Performing annual general overhauls for equipment
  • Maintaining accurate records pertaining to invoices, inventory, equipment repairs, and preventive maintenance programs
  • Ensuring all fleet of vehicles are in line with A&M expectations
  • Demonstrating to staff the use of all machinery, and train in safe operation and proper care and maintenance of assigned equipment
  • Being aligned with the philosophies of the Senior Management Agronomy Team and maintain good communications
  • Advising the Senior Management Team regarding major equipment failures and replacement needs
  • Preparing and managing annual equipment and workshop operational budgets
  • Propose and prepare all equipment and workshop capital budgets
  • Scheduling workshop staff training and annual appraisal reviews
  • Scheduling workshop staff rotas to include a 7-day week presence during the season
  • Performing other duties as assigned by the Senior Agronomy Team/General Manager/Company Directors

Experience Required:

  • Previous experience in a mechanical and managerial role
  • Knowledge of electrical & hydraulic systems
  • Experienced in use of reel & bed-knife grinding equipment
  • Welding/fabrication
  • Good IT skills

Applicants should have: –

  • A good understanding of golf course presentation and greenkeeping philosophies
  • Excellent organisational and communication skills
  • Good networking and negotiating skills
  • Confidence, and a passion for what you do with the skill and ability to influence others
  • A drive to stay current with continual professional development through industry conferences, and educational opportunities

To apply, please email david.cole@amfife.com with a cover letter explaining your interest in the role, along with an up-to-date CV.

Closing date 30.06.25

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

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Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager: Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS) is pleased to announce that Luke Hunt has been appointed as their new Seeds and Turf Product Manager, effective Monday, 19th May 2025.

Luke brings over two decades of industry experience, a strong technical background, and genuine enthusiasm for turf and seed, making him an exciting addition to the business.

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Origin Welcomes New Seeds and Turf Product Manager

Luke joins OAS from Barenbrug UK, where he was the Amenity Business Development Manager responsible for managing a portfolio of distributor accounts and helping bring new research-led products to market.

With a career that spans 24 years, including a decade spent as a greenkeeper, Luke has a reputation for his practical knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach. He has extensive experience across both grass and wildflower seed markets.

Luke will work closely with the wider OAS team to advance the company’s seed strategy. He will also play a key role in developing innovative and sustainable products that support customer-led initiatives, integrated supply chains, and marketing campaigns in line with the company’s longer-term strategic goals.

Commenting on the appointment, Jayne Leyland, Portfolio Director for OAS, said, “I am delighted to welcome Luke to Origin Amenity Solutions. His depth of experience and technical expertise are clear, but his passion for the industry and his ability to connect with customers stand out. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact he will make.”

Luke Hunt adds, “I’m genuinely excited to join the OAS team at such a progressive and forward-thinking time for the business. Origin’s values around sustainability, innovation, and strong customer relationships resonate with me. I’m looking forward to working alongside a passionate and knowledgeable team, building on the existing momentum, and helping to evolve the seeds and turf offering to deliver real value for our customers and the environments they manage.

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Technical Sales Manager

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Join Turfix as a Technical Sales Manager

Are you a motivated sales professional with a passion for sports turf? Ready to make your mark (literally) in the world of line marking and turf care? Then this could be your next big move.

Technical Sales Manager

Technical Sales Manager

Turfix, part of the award-winning Pitchmark Group, is seeking a dynamic Technical Sales Manager to drive sales, build relationships and lead technical demonstrations across the UK and beyond.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Conduct hands-on demos with and light servicing of line marking machines
  • Work with a high-energy team to create and manage commercial opportunities
  • Deliver expert training sessions to encourage best practice in line marking
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and industry partners
  • Promote Turfix through active social media engagement and customer interactions
  • Operate our cutting-edge Turf Tank robots to mark sports pitches (seasonally)
  • Represent Turfix at trade shows, industry events and seminars
  • Enjoy the option of occasional overseas travel supporting global customers at some of the world’s best venues

What You Bring to the Pitch:

  • Ambition, motivation and a results-driven mindset
  • Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach
  • Flexibility to travel with up to 3–4 overnight stays per month
  • Strong organisation, time management, diary planning and appointment booking skills
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently

Your Experience Should Include:

  • 3+ years in sales within the sports turf, amenity, or groundcare industry (essential)
  • Customer account management and field-based visits (essential)
  • Proven success in hitting or exceeding sales targets (essential)
  • Hands-on experience with sports turf machinery or line marking equipment (desirable)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and CRM systems (essential)
  • A full (preferably clean) UK driving licence (essential)

What’s in It for You:

  • Highly competitive salary
  • Uncapped bonus structure—your earnings are in your hands
  • Company vehicle, laptop and mobile phone provided
  • Remote-based role with travel across the UK
  • Full training and ongoing support to help you succeed
  • Supportive, tight-knit team culture in a family business
  • 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays
  •  Real opportunity to grow within an innovative, forward-thinking company

If you’re a driven, experienced sales star with a love for line marking, we want YOU!

Apply now via careers@turfix.co.uk

Or chat to Tim Rodman on 07854933400 to find out more

Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

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Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies: Bernhard and Company, industry leader in grinding solutions and turf care technology, has announced the appointment of Jason Connaughton as its new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies in a brand-new role for the company.

Connaughton has an extensive career in golf turf, having started out as a greenkeeper in Ireland, then spending a year working in Australia at the Australian Club in Sydney. He eventually moved to the UK, becoming a qualified mechanic and eventually Golf Course Manager at Yeovil Golf Club, his most recent position before joining Bernhard and Company. His practical experience feeds directly into Bernhard’s strategy as a pioneer of data-driven technology solutions.

Bernhard & Company's new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

Bernhard & Company’s new Territory Manager for Turf Technologies

“It’s really exciting to be part of the Bernhard and Company team,” said Connaughton. “The turf care industry is moving so rapidly towards data collection – it’s become such a powerful tool. With the products and technology that we are now distributing and selling, we can help turf managers both collect important data and understand how to use it to make smart decisions and operate in the most efficient way possible.”

Bernhard and Company is a driving force in the modern turf industry, which is embracing and harnessing the power of data collection. Connaughton’s role as Territory Manager for Turf Technologies means overseeing the array of Bernhard solutions, and working with companies like Maya Global that is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence for sustainable land management. Bernhard’s research also shows that 75% of turf grass problems occur beneath the surface, so understanding how to better manage those is crucial to turf management.

Bernhard and Company Turf Technologies and Solutions:

Soil Scout – Soil Scout provides the most advanced fully buried underground wireless soil sensors and monitoring solution for professionals in golf and sports turf maintenance. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/soil-scout/

Maya Global – Maya Global provides an intelligent software platform for sustainable land management, offering real-time insights, task optimisation, and data-driven decision-making for golf courses, vineyards, parks, and sports pitches creating ultimate efficiencies. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/maya

SubAir – SubAir is the world’s leading subsurface aeration and moisture management solution, designed to moderate and control environmental subsoil conditions. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/subair/

TurfBreeze – The leading global name in sports surface aeration, TurfBreeze fans generate essential surface air movement to create high quality playing surfaces. Details: https://bernhard.co.uk/products/turfbreeze/

Connaughton cited Bernhard’s industry leading reputation as a vital factor in his transition to his new role, alongside his positive experience as a long-time customer of Bernhard in his previous roles.

“They are a great company with a solid reputation. You always want to work for a good business, and I’ve known them for years as industry leaders. Joining Bernhard felt like a natural progression for me.

“I’ve used Bernhard and Company equipment right from the beginning of my career. They are synonymous with excellent turf health. The turf technologies that they have more recently added to the offering are an integral part of modern turf management.”

To learn more about Bernhard and Company and the turf technologies on offer, visit: https://bernhard.co.uk/turf-tech/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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