Regional Pitch Advisor (Football) - North East Region

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is seeking to recruit a Regional Pitch Advisor, covering the sport of football to join the existing team in supporting the delivery of the Pitch Advisory Service Programme. The programme was launched in 2014 to raise standards of sports surfaces and the understanding of sports turf management practices at volunteer level and is funded by Sport England and the Football Foundation in partnership with the ECB, FA, RFL and RFU.

This role has come about due to a staff movement and will encompass liaison with the Football Foundation, County Football Associations as well as the other National Sports Governing Bodies. The Regional Pitch Advisor will develop the regional infrastructure within football and manage effective relationships with the volunteer sport network and key partners. They will also promote and deliver the GMA and NGB Strategies/programmes and be involved in the development of volunteer networks and the delivery of training and standards and other support services.

The successful candidate should have excellent interpersonal, communication and IT skills, be well organised and able to demonstrate clear knowledge and understanding of turf care management with a proven background in turf/grounds management, preferably sports turf. Knowledge of current Football Foundation and Football Association facilities strategies and the structures of sport, especially the sport of football would be considered an advantage as will knowledge and understanding of local authorities and community sport structures.

The role is home based with requirements to provide regional cover and travel to the GMA head office in Milton Keynes and other sites for meetings or visits, as necessary. Reporting directly to the Key Account Manager for Football, the Regional Pitch Advisor for football is a regional role covering the North East Region consisting of Durham, East Riding, North Riding, Northumberland, Sheffield, West Riding so the successful candidate is expected to reside within or near to the boundary of the region. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV (including explanation for any gaps in employment history) and a cover letter detailing your qualities, skills and experience for the role to careers@thegma.org.uk

Competitive salary starting from £30K per annum plus car allowance of £4K per annum, and pension, employee assistance programme, life assurance cover, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.

Application deadline: 07 April 2026

Indicative interview date: w/c 13 April 2026