Regional Pitch Advisor – Rugby Union, London & South East Region

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is seeking to recruit a full time Regional Pitch Advisor covering the sport of Rugby Union to join the existing team in supporting the delivery of the Pitch Advisory Service Programme (PAS). The PAS is designed to raise standards of sports surfaces and the understanding of sports turf management practices at volunteer level and is delivered by the GMA on behalf of the Rugby Football Union.

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 NGB facilities strategy and the structures of sport, especially the sports of rugby union would be considered an advantage as will knowledge and understanding of local authorities and community sport structures.

The role is home based with requirement to travel to the GMA head office in Milton Keynes

and other sites for meetings or visits, as necessary. This role will report directly to the Key Account Manager for Rugby Union. The Regional Pitch Advisor for rugby union is a regional role covering the London & South East Region consisting of London and the counties of Essex, Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, and Surrey, 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.

This fixed term role is currently funded to 31 May 2028. The PAS is funded by the Football Foundation in partnership with the ECB, FA, RFL and RFU.

The GMA is the UK’s leading industry body for the grounds care sector. A not-for-profit

membership organisation promoting and protecting the interests of professional and

volunteer grounds people who make sport possible by keeping green spaces and playing

surfaces safe, accessible, and sustainable across educational establishments, community

facilities, and sports clubs at grassroot, amateur, and elite professional level.

SALTEX is the brand name of the exhibition owned and operated by the GMA with all profits

supporting the GMA’s provision and delivery of the industry training, education and

membership services.

Competitive salary starting from £31.5K 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.

How to apply

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

Closing Date: 24 November 2025

Provisional Interview Date: w/c 01 December 2025