Wellington Phoenix - Academy Operations Manager

Global Elite Sports; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellington Phoenix is seeking an Academy Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day off-field operations of the Wellington Phoenix Academy, ensuring a professional and well-organised environment for players, parents, coaches and staff. Reporting to the Director of Football, this role spans football operations, travel, facilities, compliance and administration.

You will coordinate competitions, scheduling, recruitment and welfare, building strong relationships with partners across the Phoenix and

Qualifications

• Experience in management or operations within football or high‑performance sport.
• Strong knowledge of football and the New Zealand sporting landscape.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing staff and/or volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the Academy.
• Coordinate competitions, registrations, match-day requirements and compliance.
• Manage player and staff scheduling, travel, transport and facilities.
• Support player recruitment, onboarding and ongoing administration.
• Maintain clear communication with players, parents, schools and key stakeholders.
• Ensure player welfare and wellbeing remains at the heart of the Academy environment.
• Lead Academy administration staff, volunteers and operations interns.
• Build strong relationships across the Phoenix, NZ Football, Capital Football and other key partners.

Skills

Management experience

Operations experience

Knowledge of football

Stakeholder management

Staff/volunteer leadership

Problem-solving under pressure

Job description

Wellington Phoenix - Academy Operations Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to play an important role in developing the next generation of New Zealand football talent.

31st August, 2026

ABOUT WELLINGTON PHOENIX: Wellington Phoenix is a professional football club competing in the Australian A‑League competition (Men’s and Women’s). More than just a football club, the Phoenix is deeply connected to its supporters, partners and communities across Aotearoa. The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy exists to identify, develop and support New Zealand’s finest young football talent, creating genuine pathways into professional football. Guided by the Phoenix Way – courage, conviction and connection – the Academy provides a high‑performing, people‑first environment for the next generation of Phoenix players.

ROLE SUMMARY: The Academy Operations Manager will lead the day-to‑day off‑field operations of the Wellington Phoenix Academy, ensuring a professional and well‑organised environment for players, parents, coaches and staff. Reporting to the Director of Football, this varied role spans football operations, competition and compliance, player welfare, travel and logistics, facilities, communications and business administration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the Academy.
• Coordinate competitions, registrations, match-day requirements and compliance.
• Manage player and staff scheduling, travel, transport and facilities.
• Support player recruitment, onboarding and ongoing administration.
• Maintain clear communication with players, parents, schools and key stakeholders.
• Ensure player welfare and wellbeing remains at the heart of the Academy environment.
• Lead Academy administration staff, volunteers and operations interns.
• Build strong relationships across the Phoenix, NZ Football, Capital Football and other key partners.

ABOUT YOU:

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive sports professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.

You will bring:

• Experience in management or operations within football or high‑performance sport.
• Strong knowledge of football and the New Zealand sporting landscape.
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A genuine passion for developing and supporting young athletes.
• A humble, team‑first approach aligned with the Phoenix Way.

Based in Lower Hutt, Wellington, this is an exciting opportunity to play an important role in developing the next generation of New Zealand football talent.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Friday 11th September 2026