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- Tasks: Lead operations at the PGA Women's Academy, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for players.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace FC, a prestigious Premier League club with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, discounts, health benefits, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, finance, and football coaching is essential.
- Other info: We promote equality and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: 9th January 2026
Who we are: We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League club with a long history. We offer a positive environment across our offices, on the ground, and at our training grounds.
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 for players and parents/carers. 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 to ensure coaching and events run smoothly, including bookings, planning, and communications.
- Liaise with facilities and operations staff in the boys' academy to ensure sessions and events are well-planned and equipment is prepared.
- Ensure academy logistics are effective and efficiently communicated to players, parents/carers, and staff; manage PGA communication platforms and changes quickly.
- Manage operational needs of the academy from U12-U21 around player registrations, iFAS, whole game system, and matchday logistics (e.g., travel).
- Think ahead to pre-empt delivery blockers and manage situations proactively.
- Address issues promptly to ensure smooth PGA and academy activity delivery.
- Maintain deep knowledge of the FA PGA licence criteria and ongoing adherence to them.
- Produce documentation and reports as requested by FA.
- Record and store key meeting minutes and communicate action points.
- Manage invoices alongside the academy budget.
- Support, develop, and maintain productive relationships with parents/carers.
- Develop relationships with facilities and PGA partners to ensure seamless service provision.
- Collaborate with other PGAs to share best practices.
- Assist women's first team operations when required.
- Other duties as required by line manager.
- Uphold and promote the Club's policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities.
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 (within football or related fields)
- 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 Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in Retail Stores
- Discounts in gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day – 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice
- Travel Season Ticket loan
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: We are committed to equality and inclusion and promote opportunities for everyone. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ensure fair recruitment practices.
Reasonable Adjustment: We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria and provide disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process. For adjustments, contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk; for vacancy information, cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk.
Safeguarding: Crystal Palace FC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable people and requires relevant checks, including DBS, where appropriate.
Operations Lead - PGA Women\'s Academy in London employer: Crystal Palace FC
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Lead - PGA Women\'s Academy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, especially those connected to Crystal Palace FC. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the club’s values and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just passionate about football but also about what Crystal Palace FC stands for. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to the Academy's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in operations management and how it aligns with the role of Operations Lead. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining the team at Crystal Palace FC. Get your application in before the deadline!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Lead - PGA Women\'s Academy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing operations, budgets, and communication within a sports environment. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our Academy!
Show Your Passion for Football: Let us know why you're excited about working in football, especially with the PGA Women's Academy. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the sport. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is received directly by our recruitment team. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining Crystal Palace FC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace FC
✨Know Your Academy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Crystal Palace FC and its Academy thoroughly. Understand their values, recent achievements, and the specific needs of the PGA Women’s Academy. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Operational Scenarios
Think about potential operational challenges that might arise in the role, such as managing logistics for match days or ensuring compliance with FA criteria. Be ready to discuss how you would handle these situations, demonstrating your proactive problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As the Operations Lead, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders, including coaches, parents, and facilities staff. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations, to illustrate your ability to maintain smooth operations.
✨Highlight Your Budget Management Experience
Since managing the academy budget is a key responsibility, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial management. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles, and how you ensured adherence to financial guidelines while achieving operational goals.
