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.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to elevating the club's profile and fan experience.
- 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.
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
As an Operations Director at our Cambridge location, you will join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and operational excellence. We offer a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities and mentorship, ensuring you can thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact on our manufacturing processes. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and a supportive environment that values safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) 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 Executive Recruit. 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 Executive Recruit. 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 Head of Commercial Operations (Football Club) 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 Executive Recruit 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 Executive Recruit
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Executive Recruit, 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.
