At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for the PGA Women’s Academy, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for players.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace Football Club, a historic Premier League team with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, discounts, health benefits, and a volunteering day off.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, budgeting, and a passion for football are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground BR3 1NZ
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary/ ROP: Competitive
Deadline: 21st December 2025
Who we are:
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy, we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
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 to be proud of and attractive to players and parents/carers. To 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 so that coaching and other events run smoothly by managing all on and off pitch requirement around bookings, planning and communications.
- Liaise closely with facilities and operations staff in the boy’s academy so that sessions and events are well-planned, and the necessary equipment is prepared.
- Ensure academy logistics are effective and efficient, and communicated to players, parents/carers, and staff. Ensure any changes are communicated quickly whilst managing PGA communication platforms.
- Manage all operational needs of the academy from U12-U21 around player registrations, iFAS, whole game system and matchday logistics (eg. Travel).
- Think ahead to pre-empt anything that may prevent effective delivery and manage the situation proactively.
- Deal promptly and efficiently with any issues which could impact on the smooth delivery of PGA and academy activity.
- Have a deep and detailed knowledge of the FA PGA licence criteria and the PGA’s ongoing adherence to them.
- Produce documentation & reports as requested by FA.
- Record and store all key meeting minutes as well as communicate action points.
- Manage invoices alongside academy budget.
- Support, develop, and maintain good working relationships with parents/carers.
- Develop a productive and trusting relationship with facilities and PGA partners so that service provision is seamless.
- Work well with other PGAs; share best practice and ideas.
- Assist women’s first team operations when required.
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
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. This may or may not have been gained within football or other professional sports related field.
- 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 our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
- Travel Season Ticket loan
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
Our commitment to Equality:
At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment:
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.
Safeguarding:
Crystal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Operations Lead - PGA Women\'s Academy in London employer: Crystal Palace Football Club
Crystal Palace Football Club is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises excellence, professionalism, and employee well-being. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks such as complimentary match day tickets and volunteering days. Located at our state-of-the-art Academy Training Ground, staff have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to the development of future football talent.
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace Football Club 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 industry, especially those connected to Crystal Palace Football Club. Attend events, join relevant groups, 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 your interview by researching the club’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just passionate about football but also about contributing to our culture of excellence and diversity. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can support the Academy's goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience in operations management and how it aligns with the needs of the PGA. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and appreciate the opportunity to connect.
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 working with teams, especially in a sports environment. We want to see how you fit into our culture!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how they relate to the job. If you have experience with project management or knowledge of the FA’s Girls Talent Development structure, make it pop! We love seeing how your skills can benefit our Academy.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your experience better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you 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 you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace Football Club
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the FA PGA licence criteria and the specific responsibilities of the Operations Lead role. Familiarise yourself with Crystal Palace Football Club's values and how they align with your own experiences.
✨Show Your Planning Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing logistics and operations. Prepare examples of how you've successfully planned events or managed budgets in the past, especially in a sports or educational context.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice clear and concise communication. Think about how you would handle changes in plans or unexpected issues, and be prepared to share your strategies during the interview.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to develop strong working relationships with parents, staff, and partners. Share examples of how you've fostered trust and collaboration in previous roles, as this will be key in ensuring a positive environment for players and their families.
