Overview
Based at Villa Park, the Logistics Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of matchdays, events, and non-matchday operations at Aston Villa Football Club. This role is all about coordination, precision, and creating the behind-the-scenes framework that allows both hospitality and football operations to thrive. From pre-event planning to post-event evaluation, the Logistics Manager oversees the flow of materials, equipment, and personnel, ensuring every function at Villa Park runs seamlessly. As a key operational leader, the Logistics Manager also drives cost control, vendor management, and sustainability in line with both Levy UK&I and Aston Villa\'s commitment to excellence.
Responsibilities
- Event Planning & Coordination: Collaborate with club and Levy event teams to understand specific logistics requirements for Villa Park matchdays, conferences, and special events.
- Logistics Planning: Develop detailed logistics plans covering transportation, resourcing, and setup schedules.
- Communication: Ensure smooth communication with internal teams, club staff, suppliers, and service providers.
- Resource Management: Oversee the procurement, storage, and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies across Villa Park.
- Inventory & Sustainability: Implement inventory systems to track and control resources efficiently and optimise allocation to reduce waste while supporting Aston Villa\'s sustainability goals.
- Vendor & Supplier Relations: Identify, negotiate, and manage contracts with external suppliers, ensuring reliable and cost-effective support for club events. Build strong relationships to maintain consistency in service delivery.
- Budget Management: Develop and oversee budgets for logistics operations at Villa Park. Monitor costs closely, seek efficiencies, and report on performance to Levy and club leadership.
- Transportation & Coordination: Manage transportation logistics for equipment, food, and staff across matchdays and large-scale events. Optimise routes and schedules to balance cost-efficiency with environmental impact.
- Risk Management: Anticipate logistical challenges on busy matchdays and during major events. Develop contingency plans to minimise disruption and maintain high service levels.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure all logistics operations at Villa Park comply with health and safety standards. Promote and enforce safety protocols for staff, vendors, and guests.
- Technology Integration: Implement logistics tools and tracking systems to enhance real-time efficiency. Use data-driven insights to continuously improve operational performance.
- Post-Event Evaluation: Conduct reviews after matchdays and events to assess logistics effectiveness. Gather feedback from Levy and Aston Villa stakeholders to refine processes.
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead and motivate a logistics team to deliver exceptional support across all Villa Park operations. Provide training, mentoring, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Experience: Proven background in logistics management, ideally within sport, hospitality, or large-scale events. Minimum 5 years in a managerial role.
- Logistics Expertise: Strong knowledge of supply chain and event operations, with experience tailoring plans for dynamic environments like a Premier League club.
- Communication: Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with Levy teams, Aston Villa staff, and external partners.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt quickly and make decisions under pressure during high-profile events.
- Budget Management: Skilled in managing costs, reporting, and negotiating supplier contracts.
- Technology Proficiency: Comfortable with logistics software, event management tools, and real-time tracking systems.
- Leadership: Proven ability to lead diverse teams, inspiring high performance in fast-paced environments.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and all Aston Villa matchdays.
- Organisation: Highly organised, capable of managing multiple logistics operations simultaneously.
- Customer Focus: Commitment to ensuring that logistics enhances the overall experience of fans, players, and corporate guests.
- Innovation: Forward-thinking approach to improving logistics and sustainability at Villa Park.
- Cultural Awareness: Ability to engage with diverse teams, partners, and event attendees.