At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead club operations and investment management for community rugby.
- Company: Join the RFU, a key player in England Rugby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible home working, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel to Allianz Stadium; dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community rugby and enhance club operations.
- Qualifications: Expertise in data governance, financial oversight, and stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 47000 £ per year.
England Rugby (the RFU) is looking for a Club Operations & Investment Manager to join its Rugby Development team on a maternity cover contract.
The Role
Reporting to the Club and Communities Operations Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of club and Constituent Body (CB)-facing data, reporting and investment operations across the community game. You will oversee the Club Portal as the primary data source for club and CB insight, and provide financial and operational oversight of investment funding streams, including loan programmes and CB funding.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop the Club Portal and its data architecture, reporting frameworks and governance standards
- Shape reporting outputs, including Tableau dashboards, with Data & Insights colleagues
- Lead financial governance of club and CB investment, including capital, revenue, grant and loan programmes
- Oversee capital and venue funding processes and coordinate the legal and security processes for facility loans
- Own the reporting frameworks behind CB funding, including audits and outcome-based reporting
- Provide insight to senior leaders and act as the link between Facilities, Finance, Data & Insights and delivery teams
About You
- Advanced Smartsheet expertise (system design, automation and reporting)
- Strong understanding of data governance and operational process design
- Experience managing grant or investment processes end to end
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and stakeholder management
- A deep understanding of the community rugby landscape
- Desirable: experience of capital or facilities programmes, BI tools such as Tableau, PMO or governance environments, and audit processes
Key Details
- Location: Home based, with some travel to Allianz Stadium
- Contract: Fixed term – initial 6-month maternity cover from November 2026, with the possibility of extension up to 12 months; full time (35 hours per week)
- Salary: c. £47,000
- Applications: An anonymised CV (no cover letter needed)
- First-round interviews: w/c 16 November 2026
- Closing date: 10 November 2026 (12 noon); the RFU may close the vacancy early
Club Operations & Investment Manager (Maternity Cover) in London employer: England Rugby
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the RFU offers unique opportunities for individuals passionate about rugby to make a meaningful impact in the sport while enjoying the flexibility of remote work at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. Join us in enriching lives through rugby and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and the future of the game.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Club Operations & Investment Manager (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like England Rugby. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including England Rugby. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Club Operations & Investment Manager (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining England Rugby aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at England Rugby
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with England Rugby, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
