Graduate Consultant

The Graduate Consultant will join STRI Consulting and support the delivery of specialist consultancy services across a wide range of sports surface and sports facility projects in the UK and overseas.

The role is designed to develop the successful candidate’s technical knowledge, consultancy skills and industry experience through a combination of structured training, mentoring, shadowing and involvement in live projects.

Projects undertaken by the team range from community and grassroots facilities through to elite and professional sport. These may include football pitches, golf courses, horse racing surfaces, tennis courts, cricket facilities and other natural and synthetic sports surfaces.

The role will combine site-based technical work with desk-based analysis and consultancy activities. This may include assessing existing sports facilities, carrying out sports surface performance testing, collecting and analysing data, undertaking technical investigations, preparing reports, and supporting the design, development and construction of new or upgraded sports facilities.

The Graduate Consultant will work alongside experienced members of the STRI Consulting team and will have opportunities to liaise with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, sport’s governing bodies, professional sports organisations and community organisations.

As the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience develop, they will take on increasing responsibility for the delivery of consultancy projects and the management of client relationships, with support and guidance from senior members of the team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Undertaking site visits and technical assessments at sports facilities throughout the UK and internationally.

2. Carrying out sports surface performance testing using specialist equipment and assisting with the interpretation of results.

3. Undertaking agronomic and technical assessments of natural and synthetic sports surfaces.

4. Assisting with site investigations, feasibility studies and technical assessments associated with the development, improvement and management of sports facilities.

5. Collecting, reviewing and analysing technical information, site data and performance information.

6. Preparing technical reports, presentations, recommendations and other project documentation.

7. Providing technical advice relating to the management, maintenance, performance and improvement of sports surfaces.

8. Assisting with the preparation of sports surface designs, specifications and other technical documentation for planning, procurement and construction purposes.

9. Attending construction sites and assisting with the inspection and supervision of sports surface construction works to ensure specified quality standards are achieved.

10. Liaising and working collaboratively with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, governing bodies, professional sports organisations and community organisations.

11. Attending client and project meetings and, as experience develops, assisting with the presentation of technical findings and recommendations.

12. Supporting the wider STRI Consulting team in the delivery of design and development projects across a range of sports and sporting environments.

13. Undertaking relevant training and continuing professional development to support progression within the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Candidates should have a relevant academic, vocational or practical background appropriate to the role.

Suitable candidates may include:

• Recent graduates with a degree in a relevant subject such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Sportsturf/Turfgrass Science, Plant or Soil Science, Physical Geography, Sports Surface Management or another related discipline; or
• Candidates with a relevant vocational, technical or professional qualification together with practical experience in grounds management, greenkeeping, sports turf management or a related field; or
• Candidates with relevant practical industry experience who can demonstrate an appropriate technical understanding of sports turf or sports surface management.
• Previous consultancy experience is not essential.

Essential / Preferred Skills and Attributes

• An interest in developing a career within sports surface consultancy.
• An interest in the design, management, maintenance and performance of sports facilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, contractors and other project stakeholders.· Ability to work independently when required and effectively as part of a wider team.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to undertake hands-on site-based work and travel throughout the UK and internationally.
• A basic understanding of relevant technical subjects such as soils, turfgrass management, drainage, irrigation, construction or sports surface performance.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Practical experience in grounds management, greenkeeping or sports turf maintenance.
• Experience of working within a professional, educational or community sports environment.
• Knowledge of sports surface construction, drainage or irrigation.
• Experience of sports surface testing, site investigation or technical data collection.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:

The role will be supported by structured training, mentoring and practical experience across a range of consultancy projects. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced consultants and technical specialists within STRI Consulting and the wider STRI Group. Development will focus on building the technical knowledge, project delivery skills and client-facing experience required to progress within the consultancy team. As experience and competency increase, the Graduate Consultant will be expected to take greater responsibility for technical assessments, project delivery, reporting and client liaison.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bingley, West Yorkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)