Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London
Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club)

Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the club's commercial strategy and drive revenue growth while integrating football operations.
  • Company: Ambitious football club in the English football pyramid with a clear vision for growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to shape the future of football.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming a football club and making a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in football, strong financial acumen, and excellent communication skills.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to elevating the club's profile and fan experience.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

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.

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.

Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London employer: Executive Recruit

Join an ambitious football club in the South UK that is poised for growth and success. As a forward-thinking employer, we offer a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career progression. With significant shareholder investment backing our vision, you will play a crucial role in shaping the club's commercial strategy while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both football and community engagement.
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Contact Detail:

Executive Recruit Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the football industry. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for football! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your ideas on how to enhance fan experiences or drive commercial growth – it’ll set us apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s current commercial strategies and challenges. We should come armed with insights and suggestions that align with their vision. This shows we’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in the club’s future.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our approach based on what we learn about the club’s goals and values directly from their site.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London

Commercial Strategy Development
P&L Management
Revenue Generation
Contract Negotiation
Stakeholder Management
Football Governance Knowledge
Operational Planning
Data Analysis for Engagement
Leadership in Commercial Operations
Strategic Planning
Partnership Development
Financial Acumen
Excellent Communication Skills
Adaptability in High-Pressure Environments
Passion for Football

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Football: When writing your application, let your love for football shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our club's vision and how you can contribute to our growth in the football pyramid.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills without waffling on. Remember, less is often more!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. We’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of the football industry, so relate your past experiences directly to the job description.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at our club.

How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit

✨Know Your Numbers

As the Head of Commercial Operations, you'll need to own the P&L. Brush up on financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed budgets and improved profitability.

✨Align with Football Operations

This role requires a seamless integration between business and football operations. Familiarise yourself with the club's current sporting objectives and think about how your commercial strategies can support them. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with sporting leadership in the past.

✨Build Relationships

Stakeholder management is key in this position. Think about your past experiences in cultivating relationships with sponsors, partners, and community stakeholders. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to influence and negotiate effectively.

✨Fan Experience Focus

Enhancing the matchday experience is crucial for this role. Come up with innovative ideas on how to increase attendance and improve fan engagement. Be ready to share any successful initiatives you've implemented in previous roles that enriched the fan experience.

Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) in London
Executive Recruit
Location: London

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