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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 day tickets, health perks, discounts, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in youth football while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, finance, and football coaching is essential.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Operations Lead - PGA Women’s Academy role at Crystal Palace FC.
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.
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the football industry, especially those connected to Crystal Palace FC. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Operations Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the FA’s PGA licence criteria and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role. We want to see your passion for the game and how you can contribute to the Academy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed logistics or budgets in previous roles. We love candidates who can think ahead and tackle potential issues before they arise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Lead - PGA Women\'s Academy
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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace FC family!
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 how they operate. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Operational Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing operations, especially in a sports or educational environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully overseen logistics, managed budgets, or improved processes. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the Operations Lead position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice clear and concise communication. Think about how you would explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing logistics or operational needs. This will demonstrate your ability to manage communications effectively within the academy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to address delivery blockers or manage unexpected issues. Think through your approach to these situations and be ready to share how you would handle them proactively.