Head of Academy Operations

Hours: 40 Hours Mon-Fri (+matchdays as needed)

About Us:

Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Charlton, south-east London. The club was founded on June 9th, 1905 and has a storied history, including winning the FA Cup in 1947 and returning to their Valley home in 1992. Our men’s first team competes in League One, and our women’s team competes in the Women’s Championship.

Role Description:

This is a Leadership role responsible for working alongside the Academy Director to ensure the successful evolution of our Academy Performance Plan. The key responsibilities involve managing and overseeing all Academy Operations and Governance matters for our U9 – U21 Program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a key member of the Academy Management Team (AMT) and contribute to all areas of Academy Operations and Governance.
• Oversee and manage the PGAAC Academy Audit process, both internally and externally through the CASA system.
• Ensure our Academy Performance Plan documentation is up to date and stored electronically, with all internal stakeholders supporting the process.
• Maintain high standards for Training Ground Operations, facility usage, and logistical matters.
• Ensure all Academy staff are recognized through the Staff Recognition system (SRS).
• Work closely with the Club’s HR Team to process and advertise job descriptions and applications in a timely manner.
• Liaise with the Board of Directors EA on Academy guests attending selected 1st Team fixtures.
• Oversee all Academy fixture planning and line manage the Academy Secretary and Schoolboy Coordinator.
• Work with the Training Ground Operations and Security Team to ensure best practices for all Academy fixtures.
• Act as the main contact for external company relationships, negotiating prices to adhere to budget lines.
• Support player Loan documentation and general administration matters with the Head of Football Administration.
• Manage and develop the Academy annual scheduling in line with EPPP requirements.
• Act as the primary contact for the Academy with the Premier League, English Football League, and The Football Association for administrative matters.
• Ensure compliance with Youth Development Rules and verify registration paperwork for U16 – U21.
• Manage the retain and release process at the end of each season.
• Act as Matchday Coordinator for all U18 Home Fixtures.
• Communicate the weekly Academy schedule (U16-21) to players and staff through the Teamworks Application.
• Act as a Health & Safety representative for the Academy.
• Perform general administrative duties including meeting minutes.

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Educated to degree level (D);
• FA Safeguarding Certificate (E);
• Enhanced DBS Certificate (E);

Specific Experience:

• Extensive Academy Operations experience (E);
• Experience working at a football club and/or training ground environment (D);
• Experience in an Academy environment, with understanding of the EPPP and audit processes (E);
• Experience in minute taking, report writing, and maintaining staff records (E);

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (E);
• Proficient with Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint (E);
• Effective organisational skills (E);
• Ability to foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration (E);
• Positive attitude towards achieving Club, departmental, and individual success (E).

Additional Information:

• This is a full-time role that includes work on weekends and evenings (negotiable);
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK;
• Charlton Athletic FC is committed to health & safety regulations and expects staff to adhere to the Club’s H&S and fire safety procedures;
• Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people;
• CAFC is committed to equal opportunity and ensures no job applicant receives less favourable treatment.

Safeguarding:

Charlton Athletic Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. The successful candidate may be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

Note: Due to high application volumes, we regret that we cannot respond to unsuccessful applicants.

To Apply: Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining your interest in this placement to: ADD LINK HERE