Operations Manager

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional sports organization is looking for a dynamic Lead Officer to enhance local cricket. Responsibilities include leading strategic planning, compliance, and supporting the development team. Ideal candidates possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, along with a good understanding of the cricketing landscape. This role demands effective communication and organizational capabilities, along with experience in budget management. Applications are invited until 12pm, 15th August 2025.

Qualifications

• Understanding and experience in high-profile cricketing environments.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and financial management.
• Ability to manage change and awareness of external factors.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Countywide Strategic Plan.
• Manage Development Team and oversee contract management.
• Act as primary contact for ECB.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Negotiation

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Suffolk Cricket Limited are looking to recruit a dynamic and motivating leader to support Suffolk Cricket Limited to shape and improve the local cricket landscape.This Lead Officer role, will mean they act as primary contact for the ECB, representing Suffolk. They’ll also oversee the successful implementation of the ECB Countywide Strategic Plan, completion of all CPA standards, as well as managing and support the Development Team.

We are seeking an individual who has good interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong and sustainable working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. In addition the candidate will have strong leadership and administration skills to support the role.

The successful applicant will ultimately lead on all matters relating to recreational cricket in Suffolk. They will be responsible for programme and financial decisions in partnership with the Board but will also work autonomously for significant periods of time.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Governance

• Lead development of the Countywide Strategic Plan in collaboration with ECB and the Board
• Ensure compliance with CPA Standards and deliver on KPI targets
• Support Board-level strategic direction through close liaison with Chair and Board Members
• Explore future options including the transition to Foundation/Trust status

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as primary contact for ECB and its "Similar Counties" group
• Maintain day-to-day contact across ECB, Suffolk Cricket Board, and County Club
• Serve as Club Support co-lead, managing general enquiries, pilot initiatives, and cricket development needs
• Provide leadership and administrative support to Suffolk Umpires & Scorers
• Chair the Suffolk Grounds Support Network
• Manage and support County Pitch Advisor (CPA)

Facilities & Accreditation

• Lead Clubmark (or equivalent) accreditation process across Suffolk
• Oversee Facilities Strategy and Action Plan delivery
• Support Safe Hands Management System (SHMS) requirements & onboarding of clubs
• Manage ECB County Grant scheme, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic objectives

Human Resources

• Line manage and support the Development Team
• Oversee contract management
• Act as initial point-of-contact for all HR matters through Voluntary Norfolk
• Drive a culture of continuous professional development across staff and volunteers

Financial Operations

• Assist in budget setting, financial oversight and planning for SCL
• Coordinate monthly payroll activities

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Lead coordination and delivery of the ECB-aligned EDI Action Plan

Compliance & Conduct

• Ensure clubs meet General Conduct Regulations for league cricket
• Oversee technical support and liaison with the County Pitch Advisor

Interpersonal and communication skills

• Team leadership and organisational skills
• Experience in building sustainable partnerships
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with other organisations / individuals
• Ability to negotiate on behalf of the Suffolk Cricket Limited with key stakeholders

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Understanding and ability to work in a high-profile cricketing environment
• Knowledge and experience of strategic planning and implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience of managing change and awareness of external factors including social, economic, demographic, political and environmental factors
• Knowledge and experience of budget control and financial management
• Ability to plan, allocate and evaluate work carried out by teams, individuals and self
• Clear knowledge and understanding of accessing new funding streams
• A good level of understanding of Google Workspace.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours when necessary.
• The post will be subject to an enhanced ECB DBS check.
• Valid UK driving licence.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• First Aid
• Minimum ECB Foundation or equivalent qualification

Candidates are asked to complete the accompanying application form and send a covering letter giving an indication of how their experience matches the requirements of the role to Nick Shrubshall ([e-mail] If you would prefer to submit an application via post, please contact Nick to obtain postal address details. Applications should be submitted by 12pm 15 th August 2025

Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided by third-parties and accepts no liability relating to any information contained on the site. If any contact details have been provided, It is recommended that you contact them directly.

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