Regional Talent Operations Lead - Western Jets

AFL - Australian Football League; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL - Australian Football League is seeking a Regional Talent Operations Lead for the Western Jets, based primarily at Crofts Reserve, Altona North. This is a 2-year fixed-term role overseeing day-to-day talent program delivery, staffing, events, and budget management to support young athletes in their pathway.

You will build an inclusive program culture, coordinate schedules, manage facilities and partner with wellbeing staff to ensure athlete welfare and program quality across regions.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in stakeholder relationships.
• Experience with talented athlete programs or youth development.
• Budget management experience in a regional program.
• Degree or equivalent in teaching, sports management or business.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of the Western Jets talent program.
• Coordinate training schedules, venues, equipment and session readiness.
• Manage facilities, offices, venue requirements and match-day operations.
• Work with wellbeing staff to support athletes.
• Develop relationships with councils, clubs, leagues and schools.
• Oversee recruitment, induction, retention and performance of regional staff.

Skills

Leadership capability

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Budget management

Independent working

Inclusive environment

Digital & IT capability

Education

Degree in teaching, sports management or business

Tools

Facility management

Job description

Join the team shaping the future of Australia’s game. This is your chance to do work that has real impact, in an organisation that moves fast, aims high and plays a meaningful role in the lives of millions across the country through football. Every role at the AFL helps progress the game, so more people can love it, connect with it and see what is possible through it.

The opportunity - this is a 2 year fixed term opportunity

The Talent League plays an important role in helping talented young athletes develop, progress and fulfil their football potential.

As Regional Talent Operations Lead – Western Jets, you will lead the effective operation of a safe, inclusive and well-balanced high-performance environment. You will bring together the people, facilities, program and partnerships needed to support athletes throughout their talent pathway experience.

Primarily based at Crofts Reserve in Altona North, the role offers flexibility outside training and match days.

What You’ll Own

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of the Western Jets talent program, creating an environment in which athletes, staff and stakeholders can contribute and thrive.

You’ll Add Value Through

• Setting and maintaining a positive, safe and inclusive program culture
• Leading the administration and operation of the region’s football program, including events, functions, apparel, player data and registrations
• Coordinating training schedules, venue bookings, equipment and session readiness
• Managing facilities, office accommodation, venue requirements and match-day operations with equity and integration in mind
• Working with wellbeing staff to ensure athletes are supported throughout their time in the program
• Delivering relevant AFL and government education programs
• Supporting the management of the program budget, including local sponsorship revenue, player levies and expenditure
• Managing the recruitment, induction, retention and performance of regional staff
• Building strong community connections with councils, clubs, leagues and schools
• Developing productive relationships with recruiters, academy program, diversity talent teams and community football stakeholders
• Coordinating regional media, website and social media activity while keeping the safeguarding of young people front of mind
• Continually reviewing and improving program delivery by sharing ideas and promoting best practice across regions

What You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated leadership capability and experience managing key stakeholder relationships
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage and negotiate with diverse groups
• Experience working in talented athlete program or a sound understanding of talented youth athlete development
• Experience managing budgets
• A degree or equivalent relevant experience in teaching, sports management or business
• The initiative and judgement to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team
• An understanding of the importance of creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments for young people
• Knowledge of AFL talent program, regional structures or the football industry would be beneficial
• Experience in facility management, local council relationships, sponsorship, marketing or sales would be beneficial
• Experience working with diverse participants and an understanding of the Western Jets region would be beneficial
• Developed digital and IT capability
• Experience supporting player identification processes or coordinating those responsible for talent identification would be beneficial
• Valid Driver's Licence

Why you’ll love being on our team

At the AFL, you will be part of a values-led team that aims high, backs each other and brings energy, care and integrity to work that matters. This is a place where people play to win, play as one team and play with passion, while always staying grounded in fairness, inclusion and respect. We work hard, support each other and create the conditions for our people to grow, perform and thrive.

What You Can Look Forward To

Play The Day Your Way

, our flexible approach to working life, built to support you on game day and every day

My Development

, with coaching, mentoring, on-the-job learning and formal development to help you keep building your game

Play Well

, our health and wellbeing program designed to support a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy workplace

My Benefits

, giving you access to a range of partner offers and discounts through our AFL Corporate Partners

AFL Silver Memberships

, for permanent team members, so you can enjoy the action at Marvel Stadium and the MCG with family and friends

6 months paid primary parental leave with no qualification period for permanent team members

Everyone has a place here

Our game brings people together, and we want our workplace to do the same.

We are committed to building a culture of belonging and an environment where people feel respected, included and able to thrive, and where diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

Whether you’re a footy fan or new to our game, we welcome everyone to apply. We know great candidates don’t always tick every box – if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the job description.

The AFL is committed to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our care. Please note, we undertake several screening processes to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate to this position holds a valid employee Working with Children/Vulnerable People check and a satisfactory criminal history record check.

Ready to play your part?

Applications close 13 November 2026.