Turf & Trials Integration Manager
JOB TITLE: Turf & Trials Integration Manager
REPORTING TO: Director of Research
WORKING HOURS: Full-time Monday to Friday 08:15 – 16:15 1 hour lunch
LOCATION: Bingley Head Office Off-site trial work may be required.
JOB PURPOSE:
To ensure that all turf and site conditions fully support the delivery of high-quality research trials. The role acts as the primary operational and strategic bridge between the Grounds and Trials teams, ensuring all client and trial requirements are translated into clear, actionable operational plans.
The Turf & Trials Integration Manager leads the strategic direction of turf and grounds standards, ensuring that surfaces, systems, and facilities represent a high end, professional research environment. The postholder develops and communicates maintenance strategies, ensures that operational delivery systems are in place, and audits compliance and performance.
While the Head Grounds-person manages the practical daily operations, the Turf & Trials Integration Manager holds final accountability for standards, alignment with research needs, and continuous improvement.
The role requires strong technical turf knowledge, research awareness, operational planning, leadership, and a focus on efficiency, revenue optimisation, and cross team communication.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Turf–Trial Alignment & Strategic Delivery
-
Lead the translation of all trial and client requirements into clear turf maintenance strategies.
- Ensure all trials take place on surfaces prepared to the highest standards.
- Monitor turf performance and adjust strategic plans to optimise research outcomes.
- Provide expert feedback and guidance to HG and Grounds team to support quick and actionable implementation.
- Identify improvements in communication, execution, and surface preparation.
2. Cross Team Coordination & Communication
-
Function as the primary operational link between Grounds, Trials Officers, Research Managers and wider internal teams.
-
Ensure daily and seasonal alignment between turf operations and research requirements.
-
Communicate upcoming trial needs clearly to Head Groundsman and Grounds team.
-
Integrate scientific and operational updates into practical plans.
3. Team Leadership & Role Alignment
-
Provide leadership, strategic direction, and mentorship to the HG and Grounds team.
-
Ensure the leadership hierarchy operates effectively (Research Director → Turf & Trials Integration Manager → Head Groundsman → Grounds Staff).
-
Support training plan development and ensure professional development opportunities are in place.
-
Maintain ultimate responsibility for standards and decision making while working collaboratively with Head Groundsman.
4. Systems, Operational Planning & Resource Development
- Develop weekly, monthly, and seasonal turf and site development strategies.
- Oversee operational systems, auditing record keeping and improving efficiency.
- Create development plans and business cases for machinery, infrastructure, and facility improvements.
- Oversee budgeting, procurement oversight, and stock control at a strategic level.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and forward-looking systems for chemical, machinery, and site management.
- Head Groundsman will implement operational delivery; Turf & Trials Integration Manager ensures systems, compliance, and direction.
5. Research Awareness & Technical Integration
-
Develop strong understanding of trial design, trial methodology, and data needs.
-
Translate scientific requirements into operational standards.
-
Participate selectively in trials to maintain strong contextual understanding.
-
Feed research findings back into turf system improvements.
6. Site Standards, H&S & Compliance Oversight
-
Hold responsibility for policy, standards, audits, and system level compliance.
-
Ensure H&S systems reflect latest regulations and best practice.
-
Conduct audits of machinery, irrigation, chemical store processes, and site compliance.
-
Head Groundsman is responsible for daily compliance delivery; Turf & Trials Integration Manager ensures strategic compliance.
7. External Engagement, Client Experience & Revenue Support
- Represent the organisation during client visits, open days, demonstrations, and industry events.
- Work with Research Operations Manager to support commercial use of facilities, client satisfaction, and revenue optimisation.
- Liaise with clients and partners to showcase site standards and innovation.
- Support business development by ensuring the site reflects a high-end professional environment.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential:
-
Proven experience in high performance or professional sports turf environments.
-
Strong leadership and communication skills, with proven management experience.
-
Ability to convert scientific objectives into practical operational plans.
-
Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.
-
Strategic mindset with strong organisational and planning skills.
-
Ability to evaluate and develop operational systems.
-
Experience in machinery, turf systems, and facility management oversight.
-
Relevant qualifications (Level 3+, NVQ, or equivalent).
-
PA1/PA6 qualifications or willingness to obtain.
-
Clean UK driving licence.
Desirable:
-
Experience working directly with research or trials.
-
Experience with data interpretation and feedback processes.
-
Understanding of commercial facility use and client facing work.
-
Degree in relevant field.
WHAT STRI OFFER:
-
Company events
-
Company pension
-
Cycle to work scheme
-
Enhanced maternity leave
-
Enhanced paternity leave
-
EV charging available on site
-
Financial planning services
-
Health & wellbeing programme
-
Life insurance
-
On-site free parking
-
Sick pay
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum
Salary depending on experience and impact, with scope to exceed this range for a truly outstanding candidate.
