General Manager, Sports Turf and Landscape – Kai Tak Sports Park

The General Manager – Sports Turf & Landscape leads the operation and management of the sports fields and landscape at Kai Tak Sports Park, as well as managing the off-site Turf Farm. During the Design & Build Phase working with the design and build team members to oversee and provide advice about the construction and operation of the playing surfaces in the Main Stadium and Public Sports Ground and on completion of the turf trials at the Turf Farm. During Operational Phase the key purposes of the role are to ensure the availability and playability of sports turf at the standard required, and that the KTSP landscape is maintained to a high quality across the KTSP precinct.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the design and construction of high quality, fit for purpose sports turf playing surfaces at Kai Tak Sports Park, including all related drainage, irrigation and related installations
• Oversee the design, construction and operation of the off-site Turf Farm
• Oversee the design, construction and maintenance of the general landscaping of all horticultural areas within KTSP
• Evaluate and verify the turf trials providing expert insight to the turf trial team as needed
• Work with the KTSPL appointed turf consultant, STRI, and other designers and/or advisers during the trial process and beyond if required
• Provide advice about the procurement of turf, landscaping equipment and FF&E items such as tractors, mowers, grow lights and other equipment and machinery
• Lead the selection process for turf and landscaping contractors and suppliers
• Prepare, deliver and implement the Pitch Management Plan, the Horticulture and Landscape Maintenance Plan, and any other deliverables required to ensure all relevant documentation will be in place prior to opening
• Ensure the quality of sports surfaces (including natural and artificial turf) at the Main Stadium and Public Sports Ground meets the requirements of clients and stakeholders
• Lead, train and develop the turf team to ensure appropriate levels of skill are in place to maintain, harvest and move turf as required by the event schedules
• Provide regular reports on the health and status of turf at the turf farm, Main Stadium, Public Sports Ground and precinct landscape
• Develop and manage the annual budget for sports turf, horticulture and landscape
• Keep up to date with research and development of sport turf and other relevant playing surface technology and management practices

About YOU

Requirements:

• Diploma in Sports Turf and/or Horticultural Management or related disciplines
• Minimum 10 years’ experience as a Head Groundsman or equivalent position at an internationally recognised football/rugby stadium
• Knowledge of international sporting standards for field of play preparation, including experience of working with international sporting bodies such as FIFA and World Rugby
• Turf management knowledge, particularly management of sports turf to elite standards
• Experience of managing horticulture and landscape in a campus or precinct environment would be advantageous
• Liaison with suppliers and stock managements
• Management of irrigation of turf and use of irrigation software
• Working with chemicals and fertilisers

About the venue

Kai Tak Sports Park Ltd. (KTSPL) has been awarded the contract for the design, build, construction and operation of the Kai Tak Sports Park.

With an area of around 28 hectares, Kai Tak Sports Park anchors the redevelopment of the former airport site, and offers a world class destination for all interests.

Once completed, Kai Tak Sports Park will be the most important sports infrastructure development in Hong Kong, and will help achieve three broad objectives – to promote sports in the community, to support elite sports and to make Hong Kong a hub for major international sports events.

Kai Tak Sports Park will provide venues for international competitions and large-scale sports events, quality public sports facilities, a leisure park, retail and dining outlets, and a wellness centre for the enjoyment of athletes and the general public. In addition to hosting a wide range of top-level sports events, Kai Tak Sports Park helps address the demand for venues to hold entertainment and other large scale community events.