Tag Archive for: Technical

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

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ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager: ICL is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager for Scotland North.

Peter brings more than 15 years’ experience working across some of the UK’s most respected golf venues, with a strong track record in delivering championship-standard playing surfaces.

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

ICL Appoints Peter Smith as Technical Area Sales Manager

He began his greenkeeping career at Kingsfield Golf Centre in 2009, where he played a key role in the grow-in of the full course from seed. Peter went on to hold senior positions at several prestigious clubs, including The Royal Burgess Golfing Society, Trump International Golf Links Scotland and Stirling Golf Club. Most recently, he served as Head Greenkeeper at Bathgate Golf Club, where he was responsible for all aspects of course preparation, including PGA and County events as well as long-term course development planning.

Peter’s experience also extends internationally. He completed the Ohio State University Programme, with placements at Oakmont Country Club and Trump National Doral. During this time, he contributed to preparations for major tournaments, including the 2014 Constellation Senior Players Championship and the 2014 PGA WGC.

Alongside his club roles, Peter is an active member of the wider greenkeeping community and has previously served as a board member for BIGGA Scotland.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said joining ICL represents an exciting new chapter in his career.

“Throughout my time in turf management, I’ve always looked for partners that combine innovation with practical, real-world solutions. ICL has consistently stood out for its product quality, research-driven approach and commitment to supporting turf managers. I’m looking forward to working closely with turf managers and distributors across Scotland to help them achieve the best possible playing surfaces and deliver real value for their customers.”

Phil Collinson, Sales and Business Development Manager – UK North, welcomed the appointment.

“Peter brings a depth of hands-on experience across a wide range of environments, from championship venues to member clubs. His technical expertise, professionalism and understanding of modern turf management will be of real value to our customers and distributors. He is an excellent addition to the team and further strengthens our commitment to supporting the Scottish market.”

Please contact ICL on 01473 237100 or visit www.icl-growingsolutions.com

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Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

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Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager: Syngenta has appointed Pete May as the company’s new Technical Manager for Turf & Landscape in the UK and Ireland.

Pete brings an important blend of practical skills and experience of turf management, alongside a solid technical knowledge of turf plant science and research.

Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

Syngenta appoints Pete May as new Technical Manager

In his role of Technical Manager with Lawntech for the past 10 years, Pete has pioneered the development of effective Integrated Turf Management (ITM) strategies for the sector – dealing with increasing challenges of disease, pest and weed control in quality fine turf surfaces.

He also established an R&D and trials area, carrying out research on seasonal turf responses to different inputs, testing the effectiveness of products and a dedicated programme of wetting agent trials.

An active participant in industry events and training, sharing insights and innovations, Pete is experienced in the delivery of technical training and resources for turf managers and enhancing team knowledge.

Commenting on his appointment, Pete said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Syngenta turf team, with the development of new fungicide, herbicide, biostimulant and wetting agent technologies all approaching launch in the UK.”

He will utilise the huge resource of new trials and research data, as well as golf and sports turf user experience, to help create ITM strategies for turf managers that will help to better cope with challenges of climatic changes and increasing player demands. Along with immense experience and knowledge to help deliver solutions in the lawncare sector.

“Building on the solid legacy of Syngenta technical products, coupled with new innovations in decision support data and application techniques, gives a great opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with turf management customers and agronomists.”

Pete has taken over the role of Sean Loakes, who has been promoted to Syngenta Turf Technical Manager for Europe. Sean will continue to support Pete in working with customers and the existing UK turf research projects.

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Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) – Sussex and Kent

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Location: Sussex & Kent

Salary: Competitive package + Bonus + Car + Benefits

Sector: Golf & Fine Turf | Agronomy | Technical Sales

Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) - Sussex and Kent

Technical Area Sales Manager (Golf and Fine Turf) – Sussex and Kent

OAS is one of the largest UK providers of turf grass, plant health and soil solutions, offering knowledge and experience underpinned by research and development. We are a 100+ strong team, working across the UK in sales, R&D, operations, warehousing, distribution and customer service ensuring the right people are on-hand to support you.

Passionate about the sectors we work in, OAS offers quality choice, product innovation and technical support.

The Technical Area Sales Manager is responsible for selling complex technical products and services by combining deep product knowledge with strong interpersonal and sales skills within the golf and fine turf sectors. This role involves identifying customer needs, presenting tailored solutions, and supporting clients throughout the sales cycle.

You will be expected to:

Develop and grow sales within the primary business area by selling OAS product to grounds maintenance professionals across all aspects of the grounds maintenance industry

Work with the Regional Sales Director to identify and develop business opportunities

Deliver agreed sales target both in terms of volume (turnover) and profit margin

Develop customer relations by calling to promote products and take orders where the opportunity arises

Ensure actions arising from calls are followed up on in a timely manner and concluded by maintaining up-to-date records of customer visits

Use company literature and promotional tools to maximise sales opportunities in agreement with Regional Sales Director

Use company database to identify additional sales opportunities and agree development plan with Regional Sales Director

When required contribute to product development and or marketing strategy

Provide market feedback on competitor activity as appropriate as well as other products, service opportunities that may benefit Origin Amenity Solutions.

Attend training events and or seminars, exhibitions as required – some overnight stays may be required

Skills required:

A strong desire to work in a commercial role, i.e. sales acumen, drive, enthusiasm, initiative, etc

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Excellent presentational and communication skills

A ‘can do’ attitude and self-motivation are essential in this role as it will require a lot of individual initiative and unsupervised work

A strong team player with the ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team internally across operations/sites, sales support and administration and the sales and marketing teams

Strong computer skills and working knowledge of MS Office functions, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Clean UK driving licence, with willingness for large levels of travel and overnight stays as required

A proactive and flexible approach

BASIS and FACTS qualifications are not essential but would be an advantage as the company has a policy of delivering these qualifications over time.

Please email your CV and cover letter to  https://originoperations.bamboohr.com/careers/97

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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ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

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ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team: Iseki UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Callum Gaskell as Field Service Engineer, as part of its continued growth and strategic focus on strengthening dealer support services.

With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and a reputation for high-performance and durable machinery, Iseki supports groundcare, local authorities, sports turf, agriculture and estate management professionals. The growing popularity of the products, from compact tractors to mowers and robotics, has made Callum’s role essential.

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

ISEKI UK & Ireland Expands Technical Team

In his new role, Callum will provide backup and technical service training to Iseki’s extensive dealer network. His appointment forms part of Iseki’s ongoing investment in strengthening after sales support and ensuring customers continue to receive first-class service.

On the appointment, Phil Catley, Product and Marketing Manager at Iseki UK & Ireland, said:

“Callum’s experience is a perfect fit for the direction we’re heading in as a business. He not only knows the Iseki product range extremely well from his time at Ransomes Jacobsen, but he also brings a fresh perspective from his recent work with agricultural technology and material handling equipment.

“His appointment enhances our ability to provide technical excellence and responsive support to our dealers and end users, and that’s something we take great pride in as part of the Iseki brand experience.”

Callum has a strong track record in the turf care and agricultural machinery sectors. He started his career at Ransomes Jacobsen, progressing through roles in engineering and production. There, he gained in-depth technical knowledge of Iseki machinery while working closely with the brand.

More recently, he worked at Thurlow Nunn, initially specialising in GPS and guidance systems before moving into after sales and service support for forklifts and telehandlers. This gave him broad experience in diagnostics, field support and customer service.

Callum’s  appointment reinforces Iseki’s strategic investment in service excellence, ensuring its dealer network continues to deliver unmatched reliability and technical expertise to customers across the UK and Ireland.

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