First Team Operations Manager

Manchester United; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic First Team Operations Manager to enhance operational excellence and optimize performance support services. This pivotal role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to implement best-in-class strategies that elevate team performance. The successful candidate will oversee logistical operations, manage training schedules, and ensure seamless execution of matchday logistics. Join a passionate team dedicated to fostering a high-performance environment where your contributions will have a significant impact on the club's success.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness Support

Exclusive Discounts

Gym Facilities

Enhanced Family Leave Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a football operations role within a top-tier club.
• Strong understanding of training, matchday operations, and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic operations partner to the First Team Manager and coaching staff.
• Oversee logistical operations at the Carrington Training Complex.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in football operations.

Skills

Football Operations

Logistics Management

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Crisis Management

Multilingual

Education

Experience in Football Operations

Understanding of FIFA and UEFA Regulations

Tools

Data Analytics Tools

Job description

Join to apply for the First Team Operations Manager role at Manchester United.

Carrington Training Complex

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

Location: Carrington Training Complex

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Role

The First Team Operations Manager plays a critical role in creating a world-class football environment, driving operational excellence and optimising performance support services. This role is key to the seamless delivery of first-team operations, working closely with stakeholders to implement best-in-class strategies that enhance efficiency and maximise team performance. The role collaborates with the Academy and Women’s teams through an integrated helix model, ensuring alignment and consistency across all football operations within the club.

Key Responsibilities

First-Team Operations

• Act as a strategic operations partner to the First Team Manager, Technical Director, and coaching staff, ensuring football operations align with performance objectives.
• Collaborate with key operational areas, including Administration, Player Support, Security, Kit & Equipment, and Travel & Logistics to ensure seamless day-to-day execution.
• Serve as a liaison between football operations and other club departments, leveraging bilingual communication skills where relevant.
• Support crisis management and coordinate contingency plans for unexpected situations.

Training & Matchday Operations

• Oversee logistical operations at the Carrington Training Complex, ensuring a world-class training environment.
• Optimise training schedules, facility usage, and logistics to support peak player performance.
• Lead matchday logistics coordination, ensuring all operational aspects from travel to equipment and medical team alignment are executed flawlessly.
• Work alongside performance, sports science, and coaching teams to integrate operational planning into tactical and physical preparation.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive cross-functional collaboration, ensuring football operations align with broader club strategies and long-term objectives.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for players regarding personal and professional concerns, providing confidential support when needed.
• Be a visible and approachable presence within football operations, building strong relationships across the club.
• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, responding effectively to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of elite football.
• Manage conflicting priorities, ensuring operational demands are met without compromising quality or efficiency.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, driving efficiency and innovation within football operations.
• Leverage technology, data insights, and analytics to refine operational processes and enhance service delivery.

The Person

• Proven experience in a football operations role within a top-tier club or national team.
• Strong track record of working closely with first-team management to optimise operational efficiency and player performance.
• Strong understanding of training, matchday operations, player welfare, and elite-level logistics.
• Ability to use data, analytics, technology, and best practices to enhance operational processes.
• Familiarity with FIFA, UEFA, and league regulations governing football operations.
• Strong Communication experience with a proven ability to lead, problem-solve, and make key decisions under pressure.
• Multilingual– Fluency in multiple languages to support international coordination.
• Demonstrated confidentiality when handling sensitive information and maintaining trust within the team and club.
• Approachable with the ability to build strong, supportive relationships across all levels of the club.
• Flexibility and adaptability in managing shifting priorities and the dynamic nature of elite football environments.

What We Offer

At Manchester United, We Recognise That Our People Are At The Heart Of Our Success. That’s Why We Offer a Range Of Rewards Designed To Support Your Professional And Personal Well-being

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Ready to Join Us?

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Friday 9th May.

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry.