Operations Lead - PGA Women's Academy

Crystal Palace Football Club; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club is seeking an Operations Lead to manage the academy operations for U12 to U21. The role involves ensuring that the environment is safe and meets the needs of players and staff, overseeing day-to-day functions, and ensuring adherence to FA guidelines. Candidates should have relevant coaching qualifications and experience in sports administration. The position offers a full-time contract with various employee benefits, including discounts and match day tickets.

Benefits

Complimentary match day ticket

Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme

Holiday allowance: 25 Days

Qualifications

• Knowledge of how to manage budgets effectively.
• Experience in project management within sports or other relevant fields.
• Strong administration skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations to ensure all activities run smoothly.
• Manage logistics and communications with staff and players.
• Ensure adherence to the FA’s PGA licence criteria.

Skills

FA DBS

FA Safeguarding Children

FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF)

Football coaching qualifications

Experience of administrative management

Knowledge of The FA’s Girls Talent Development

Education

Accountancy / finance / business qualifications

Association of Project Management (AMP) qualifications

Job description

Job Information

• Location: Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZ
• Contract Type: Full-time
• Salary / ROP: Competitive
• Deadline: 21st December 2025

Who we are

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites – brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground / Academy – we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees.

We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.

About this role

• The Operations Lead will support the Academy Manager to ensure the Academy (U12-U21) environment is safe, appropriate and meets the needs of the players, staff and The FA
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the PGA and pathway while enabling coaches to deliver a positive experience to be proud of and attractive to players and parents / carers
• To assist the Academy Manager in ensuring the PGA is run within budget and meets the FA’s PGA licence criteria

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations across the PGA and academy so that coaching and other events run smoothly by managing all on and off pitch requirements around bookings, planning and communications
• Liaise closely with facilities and operations staff in the boy’s academy so that sessions and events are well‑planned, and the necessary equipment is prepared.
• Ensure academy logistics are effective and efficient, and communicated to players, parents / carers, and staff. Ensure any changes are communicated quickly whilst managing PGA communication platforms
• Manage all operational needs of the academy from U12-U21 around player registrations, iFAS, whole game system and matchday logistics (eg. Travel)
• Think ahead to pre‑empt anything that may prevent effective delivery and manage the situation proactively
• Deal promptly and efficiently with any issues which could impact on the smooth delivery of PGA and academy activity
• Have a deep and detailed knowledge of the FA PGA licence criteria and the PGA’s ongoing adherence to them
• Produce documentation & reports as requested by FA
• Record and store all key meeting minutes as well as communicate action points
• Manage invoices alongside academy budget
• Support, develop, and maintain good working relationships with parents / carers
• Develop a productive and trusting relationship with facilities and PGA partners so that service provision is seamless
• Work well with other PGAs; share best practice and ideas
• Assist women’s first team operations when required
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• FA DBS
• FA Safeguarding Children
• FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid
• Accountancy / finance / business qualifications
• Football coaching qualifications
• Association of Project Management (AMP) qualifications
• Experience of administrative management and audit processes. This may or may not have been gained within football or other professional sports related field
• Experience of managing budgets
• Project management experience
• Knowledge of The FA’s Girls Talent Development structure and pathway

Benefits

• Complimentary match day ticket
• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
• Volunteering Day – 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only). For general vacancy information, contact [e-mail].

Safeguarding

Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.