Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club)
Location: South UK (specific location disclosed upon shortlisting)
An ambitious, forward-thinking football club in the English football pyramid is entering an exciting new phase of growth, backed by significant shareholder investment. Our vision is clear: to strengthen our competitive position, achieve promotion into and through the Football League, and build a sustainable and thriving club for the long term.
To realise this vision, we are creating a newly defined leadership role that sits at the intersection of business strategy and football operations. This position will be pivotal in driving the club’s commercial evolution while maintaining financial discipline and aligning all operational activity with our sporting ambitions.
Role Purpose
As Head of Commercial Operations, you will be the driving force behind the club’s commercial strategy and overall operational health. You will own the P&L, lead revenue generation, and ensure the seamless integration of football and business functions. Your role will be both strategic and hands-on, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day operational excellence to elevate the club’s profile, performance, and profitability.
You will act as the key link between the Board, football leadership, and external stakeholders, translating vision into actionable plans that deliver growth, enhance sustainability, and improve the fan and partner experience.
- Strategic & Commercial Leadership - Develop and execute the club’s commercial strategy to drive revenue growth across sponsorship, partnerships, matchday, and non-matchday activities.
- Own the club’s P&L, ensuring strong financial discipline, accurate forecasting, and sustainable profitability.
- Lead contract negotiations with sponsors, partners, suppliers, and league bodies.
- Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities in line with the club’s growth trajectory.
- Football Operations Integration - Partner closely with the Sporting Leadership, First Team Manager, and Academy leadership to align football and business objectives.
- Oversee operational planning to support team performance, player development, and recruitment strategy.
- Ensure compliance with football governance, league regulations, and financial fair play requirements.
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management - Cultivate strong, influential relationships with Football League representatives, commercial partners, and key community stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted ambassador for the club, representing its interests in league meetings and industry forums.
- Work collaboratively with the Board to communicate progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
- Matchday & Fan Experience - Design and implement strategies to increase attendance and enrich the matchday experience for fans, members, and guests.
- Leverage data and insights to improve engagement, retention, and commercial yield.
- Operational Oversight - Provide leadership to commercial, marketing, ticketing, and operations teams.
- Ensure efficient, effective, and scalable club operations as the organisation grows.
- Foster a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and accountability.
- Proven leadership experience within a Football League
- Direct P&L ownership and a track record of delivering commercial growth and operational efficiency.
- Expertise in strategic planning, contract negotiation, and partnership development.
- Strong understanding of football governance, regulatory frameworks, and the challenges of the English football pyramid.
- Experience working closely with football departments and balancing sporting ambitions with business reality.
- Entrepreneurial mindset – able to spot opportunities, take calculated risks, and innovate.
- Financially astute, with strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communicator and influencer, comfortable engaging at Board level and with team staff.
- Resilient, adaptable, and driven to succeed in a high-pressure, results-focused environment.
- Passionate about football and the role a club plays in its community.
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