James Williams

Professional Experience London Stadium (Olympic Stadium), London

Head Groundsman | June 2016 – Present
Key responsibilities:

• Liaising with major stakeholders, including West Ham United, UK Athletics, MLB, and third-party contractors.
• Coordinating coaching and management teams for football, rugby, MLB, athletics, and commercial events.
• Managing pitch preparation for multi-code sports and high-profile events.
• Overseeing maintenance of irrigation, undersoil heating, SGL grow lights, and in-house pitch renovations.
• Managing match day staff (10–15 per event) and training schedules for professional development.
• Planning and implementing fertiliser, pesticide, and fungicide programmes.
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Key responsibilities:

• Liaising with Swansea City AFC, Ospreys Rugby Club, and local authorities.
• Coordinating training, match day preparations, and filming requirements.
• Managing dual-code rugby and football surfaces, renovations, and pitch maintenance programmes.
• Assisting with undersoil heating, sub-air flow, and SGL lighting systems.
• Overseeing concerts and commercial events, ensuring pitch protection.
• Supervising staff and day-to-day pitch operations.

Maintained three soil-based pitches, grass verges, and performed renovations with limited machinery and budget.

Assisted with pitch maintenance, marking, and seasonal preparation tasks.