At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead football operations for West Ham United Women, ensuring player wellbeing and compliance.
- Company: Join West Ham United, a historic club blending tradition with innovation in women's football.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare schemes, and discounts on match tickets and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of women's football in an inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-performance football operations and strong knowledge of compliance regulations required.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and diversity is essential; background checks will be conducted.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join the Legacy and Future of West Ham United. Founded in 1895, West Ham United is a club that blends rich tradition with a forward-thinking approach, creating an exciting, ever-evolving football culture. Based in the heart of London, we proudly call the London Stadium home — a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the largest in the country. We are also dedicated to providing the most affordable Premier League tickets in London, championing Accessible Family Football for all.
Our women’s team, achieving professional status in 2018, has soared to new heights in the Women’s Super League and reached the prestigious FA Cup final. Meanwhile, our cutting-edge Academy, which opened in 2019, is nurturing future stars, producing first-team players like Declan Rice and Ben Johnson. With ongoing improvements to the stadium, including the iconic Billy Bonds Stand, West Ham is constantly evolving, making sure our fans experience the best in matchday atmosphere and comfort.
We are also incredibly proud to hold the Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. As we continue to grow, so does our workforce. With a dedicated team of 300 core staff and 500 event and Foundation employees, West Ham United offers a truly unique working environment. We’re especially proud to have been awarded the Premier League’s Advanced Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standard in 2023 — our second consecutive recognition — underlining our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic workplace.
Key Responsibilities:
- Football Operations & Compliance: Lead on player registration, transfers, contracts, and onboarding processes aligned with FA, FIFA, and WSL regulations.
- Drive the operational delivery of the Women’s and Academy programmes—including match logistics, travel, and training schedules.
- Develop and maintain operational standards and player lifecycle processes (recruitment, loans, onboarding, etc.).
- Collaborate with the Men’s Club Secretary to align cross-club operations and policies.
- Manage player and staff logistics for home and away fixtures, including international call-ups.
- Act as the key liaison with governing bodies (FA, UEFA, FIFA), ensuring compliance with all regulatory frameworks and audits.
- Lead the operational planning of the Club’s player pathway and talent development systems in line with evolving FA and WSL structures.
- Strategic Leadership & Performance: Contribute to the creation and implementation of long-term strategies and operational business plans.
- Lead internal governance processes and support the Head of Women’s Football in strategic planning and budget monitoring.
- Track, evaluate, and report on team and programme performance vs strategic targets.
- Represent the Club at external events, meetings, and FA audits, deputising for the Head of Women’s Football when needed.
- Match Day & Event Operations: Co-ordinate all matchday operations in collaboration with the Club Operations Team, including logistics, facility management, and stakeholder communication.
- Manage the season’s fixture schedule and ensure all pre-match and matchday logistics are executed seamlessly.
- Act as the main contact for opposing teams and match officials, ensuring match admin and compliance requirements are met.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with players, staff, external football stakeholders, and parents within the Academy.
- Liaise closely with partners, governing bodies, and community football networks to align development opportunities and partnerships.
- Administration & Data: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on contracts, compliance, payroll, statistics, and internal reporting tools.
- Produce and submit reports required by the FA and Club leadership on performance, compliance, and revenue streams.
- Oversee kit procurement and distribution, working with central logistics staff.
- Self-Development & Leadership: Actively seek feedback and create a personalised development plan.
- Attend CPD activities and work with external mentors to continuously improve leadership capability.
- Role model professional standards and help foster a culture of accountability, growth, and inclusion within the team.
Requirements:
- Essential Skills & Experience: Proven track record in high-performance football operations, preferably within women’s or elite sport environments.
- Strong knowledge of FA, FIFA, WSL and Academy compliance regulations.
- Excellent project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of line-managing staff and leading cross-functional operational teams.
- Strategic thinker with an eye for detail and an ability to execute under pressure.
- Passion for developing elite environments that prioritise wellbeing, inclusion and sustainable performance.
- Desirable: Experience working in a club undergoing growth or transformation.
- Relevant qualifications in Sports Management, Business, or related fields.
Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location):
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
- Pension and life insurance
- Healthcare cash scheme
- Travel season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Priority access to apply for match tickets
- Discounted season tickets
- Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
- Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
- Family friendly leave policies
- Company Social events
Safeguarding: The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders.
EDI Statement: The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity.
How to Apply: To apply, please reply to the link with your full CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you feel you meet the profile of the candidate we are looking for. The deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 1st July 2025.
West Ham United Women – Head of Football Operations West Ham United London employer: Theriseofwomensfootball
Contact Detail:
Theriseofwomensfootball Recruiting Team
contactcareers@westhamunited.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land West Ham United Women – Head of Football Operations West Ham United London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific compliance regulations of the FA, FIFA, and WSL. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the club's operational standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the women's football community. Attend events, workshops, or seminars related to women's football operations. Building relationships with key stakeholders can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed projects or led teams in high-pressure environments. This will highlight your ability to execute operational plans effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research West Ham United's recent developments and initiatives, especially regarding their women's team. Being knowledgeable about the club's vision and current projects will allow you to align your answers during discussions and show your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace West Ham United Women – Head of Football Operations West Ham United London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Football Operations position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly articulate your motivation for applying and how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in football operations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your proven track record in high-performance football operations, especially within women's or elite sport environments. Emphasise your knowledge of compliance regulations and any leadership roles you've held.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement. Look for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and easy to read. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Theriseofwomensfootball
✨Research the Club's History and Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand West Ham United's rich history and its commitment to inclusivity and community. Familiarising yourself with the club's achievements, especially in women's football, will show your genuine interest and alignment with their values.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Compliance Regulations
Given the role's focus on compliance with FA, FIFA, and WSL regulations, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these frameworks. Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing compliance within football operations, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leadership role, it's essential to demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments, focusing on your strategic thinking and project management skills.
✨Prepare Questions About Future Developments
Engage your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the club's future plans, particularly regarding the women's team and academy. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the club's long-term vision and growth.