Head of Football Operations and Administration

DFL; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Women's Super League Football seeks a Head of Football Operations to drive strategic planning and operational management in women's football. This pivotal role requires extensive experience in football operations, a deep understanding of competition regulations, and exceptional leadership skills to enhance the league's competitive nature and stakeholder relations. The successful candidate will ensure that operational excellence drives the growth of women's football, embodying the league's core values.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in football operations preferably in a league or governing body environment.
• Proven leader with experience in people management.
• Strong working knowledge of FA, UEFA, and FIFA rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and operational delivery for the league.
• Oversee player registrations, transfers, and squad submissions.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders across the football landscape.

Skills

People Management

Stakeholder Management

Organizational Skills

Project Management

Football Regulations Knowledge

Education

Extensive experience in football operations

Job description

Women's Super League Football has an exciting opportunity in a pivotal role as Head of Football Operations and Administration.

WSL Football has a vision of transforming women's football through the lens of her, for all and by building the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women's football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow.

Please note that we have partnered with the team at Elite Performance Partners tosupport us on this recruitment, please send your cover letter and CV to [e-mail]

Whatwill you be doing?

Strategic Planning and Delivery

>Contribute as a senior member of the extended leadership team to strategic development of the league competition calendar, scheduling and operational planning cycle.

>To lead contingency and scenario planning (eg fixture congestion, weather disruption, exceptional events)

>Work closely with broadcast and commercial teams to deliver integrated matchday operations and maximise visibility of the league

>Ensure the continual improvement of league operations through process reviews, stakeholder feedback and adoption of best practise.

>Lead the relationship with PGMOL to support the delivery of officiating in the women's professional game working on a long term strategy for officiating within the game.

>Input into the Home Grown Rules and GBE policy with wider team to further development competition rules to support both developing the most entertaining, competitive and distinctive women's leagues in the world.

>To lead and development a team in a fast paced environment supporting the growth of the women's professional game.

Competition Operations

>Lead the end to end operational delivery of the league season, including fixture scheduling, match day protocols and player registration and administration

>Oversee league wide logistics including matchday documentation and co-ordination with officiating and broadcast team.

>Develop and implement league operations manuals, guidance documents and matchday standards in line with strategic objectives and stakeholders requirements.

Football Administration and Governance

>Oversee the administration of player registrations, transfers and squad submissions in collaboration with Clubs and the FA.

>Lead the department responsible for liaison with the FA on football regulations, player eligibility, disciplinary processes and match protocols.

>Maintain accurate competition records and audit trails ensuring data integrity and compliance within governance frameworks,

>Review and develop the technology roadmap for women's leagues; being mindful of any developments in the male professional game and aligning where possible

>To ensure competitions meet highest levels of integrity including a critical role in internal governance requirements and decision making.

Stakeholder Management

>Build effective relationships with key stakeholders including member clubs, captains' forum, FIFA, UEFA, ECA, PFA, LMA, Football Supporters Association on any issues requiring stakeholder engagement.

>Represent the league at relevant football operations groups, working groups and industry forums.

>Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet WSL Football changing priorities.

• Executes additional tasks as required to meet Women's Super League Football's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
• As part of the Women's Super League Football's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

>Extensive experience in football operations preferably in a league or governing body environment

>Proven leader with experience of people management

>Strong working knowledge of FA, UEFA and FIFA rules and competition regulations

>Proven ability to lead complex operational programmes, manage risk and deliver under pressure

>Excellent organisational skills and project management experience

>High level influencing skills and stakeholder management skills with exceptional interpersonal abilities with experience of engaging with senior stakeholders

>Flexible approach to working hours including weekends and evenings

Beneficial to have:

>Knowledge and understanding of Women's Professional Football

>Experience of successful change management

>Knowledge and understanding competition management systems IFAS/FAS/ATOS

>Experience of working in a commercially led competition environment

>Experience of working with and building relationships with the major stakeholders in football

>Understanding of the professionalisation journey within women's sport

Living the values through our behaviours:

• FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME- Every decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.
• GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES- We have the relentless drive to keep the women'sgame, growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously rewrite the playbook.
• FIND A WAY TO WIN,TOGETHER- We move as one – lifting each other up and having each other's backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans, and communities to achieve greatness.
• CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH- We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
• PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW- Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.

Please note that the Women's Super League Football office is based in Farringdon in Central London. To find out more details about the organisation, please click here to be directed to the Women's Super League Football website.

Women's Super League Football welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the Women's Super League Football's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.