At a Glance
- Tasks: Support live Premier League VAR operations and manage video feeds during matches.
- Company: Join Hawk-Eye Innovations, a leader in sports technology and broadcasting.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00 - £18.20 per hour with flexible matchday hours.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation, growth, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of football action and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Passion for football, strong communication skills, and ability to thrive under pressure.
The predicted salary is between 18.2 - 18.2 £ per hour.
In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Location: Stockley Park, London
Contract Type: Casual – Matchday contract
Hourly Rate: £13.00 - £18.20 Per Hour (exact rate will vary depending on role)
Start Date: September 2026
Welcome to Hawk-Eye Innovations! We are excited to introduce you to our dynamic, fast-paced team. We are passionate about football and dedicated to delivering elite sports experiences. As our operations continue to grow, we are looking for talented individuals to join us on this journey.
We are looking to build a pool of System Operators to support the delivery of our live Premier League VAR operations at Stockley Park across two key operational roles: Assistant Replay Operator and VARDict Operator.
Crucially, we are seeking candidates who possess open, full, and flexible availability. While these roles are offered on a zero-hours casual contract, match schedules fluctuate dynamically across the week and peak during key periods of the football calendar. We need team members who are fully available, ready to commit to significant hours when offered, and able to adapt to changing matchday schedules.
If you have open availability, thrive under pressure, and can process visual information rapidly and accurately, these roles offer an exceptional opportunity to work with cutting-edge replay and VARDict technology at the heart of live broadcast operations watched by millions worldwide.
System Operator Roles
- Assistant Replay Operator (ARO) Depending on your experience and shift assignment, responsibilities include:
- Video Feed Management: Monitor incoming camera feeds to ensure real-time, high-quality video is available throughout the match.
- VAR & Replay Support: Provide immediate access to key camera angles upon request, ensuring efficient reviews for the VAR team.
- Matchday Preparation: Assist in the setup, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of VAR hardware and software prior to kickoff.
- System Operation & Monitoring: Operate specialised Hawk-Eye SMART Replay technology and ensure system reliability during live matches.
- Incident Logging & Archiving: Capture, label, timestamp, and archive key incidents (goals, penalties, offsides, red cards) for quick retrieval and post-match review.
- VARDict Operator Depending on your experience and shift assignment, responsibilities include:
- VARDict System Delivery: Communicate live VAR decisions accurately by outputting real-time data and notifications to stadium screens, broadcasters, and partners.
- Stockley Park Support: Liaise remotely with officials, broadcasters, and stadium staff to maintain data precision, conduct pre-match system checks, and handle technical troubleshooting calmly under live pressure.
Essential Attributes:
This is a highly visible and high-pressure role. We’re looking for individuals who are reliable, professional, and passionate about football, and who meet the following essential criteria:
- Must live within a commutable distance to Stockley Park
- Must be available to work weekends and some midweek evenings
- Ability to perform under pressure in a live broadcast environment
- Strong football knowledge and understanding of the Laws of the Game
- A high level of professionalism – you'll be working in a client-facing role
- Excellent communication skills and a calm, solutions-focused attitude
- A solid technical foundation and quick to learn new systems
- Excellent hand–eye coordination and reaction speed, with skills commonly developed through video gaming or fast-paced interactive environments
- Ability to process visual information rapidly, select the correct camera angles, and execute precise actions in time-critical moments
- Proactive, organised, and detail-oriented
At Hawk-Eye Innovations, we appreciate and value the importance of potential and growth. If you believe that you excel in certain areas and possess the passion and desire to develop further, we encourage you to apply.
Desirable Attributes:
- Previous experience using replay/video editing software
- Experience working in live broadcast events and video formats
- Strong understanding of PC networking
Why This Role Is Right for You:
- Be part of live Premier League operations at the heart of the action
- Work in an environment where technology meets elite sport
- Gain experience in video operations, data systems, and broadcast workflows
- Join a team that values development, innovation, and collaboration
As You Progress:
- Replay Operator Pathway: Top-performing Assistant Replay Operators with strong availability and track records can progress to full Replay Operators working directly alongside the VAR on Premier League matches.
- International Tournaments: Opportunities to expand into UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and FIFA operations, including European and international travel.
- Technology Expansion: Scope to work with broader Hawk-Eye audio, video, and data technologies. We’ll support you every step of the way, but these are roles where focus, resilience, and professionalism are a must.
What Challenges Might I Face?
Up to this point, while there may be many things that you find intriguing about this role, it is not without its unique challenges. Here are some that you can expect to find with the role:
- Working Hours: Due to the nature of the sports industry, there is often work on weekends and midweek evenings, and we are expected to fulfil our roles until the final whistle and takedown is complete.
- Travelling Abroad: As the role progresses into international tournament operations, you will be required to travel abroad. This may mean spending periods away from home, which may occasionally conflict with personal milestones or important events.
- High-Pressure Situations: Working in a live broadcast environment on a production that is distributed globally and widely seen by many will bring levels of pressure.
All of these different factors offer different challenges daily as an operator. We will do everything we can to train you and support you to the best possible level, but these factors should be considered before submitting your application.
Team Culture
At Hawk-Eye, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, high-performance culture where trust, passion, and innovation thrive. We believe in fostering an environment where every team member is empowered to push boundaries and contribute to the future of sports technology. Our work is guided by three core values:
- We are Brave: We challenge the status quo, embrace big ideas, and constantly seek new ways to innovate in the sports entertainment industry. We aren't afraid to take risks in pursuit of excellence.
- We are Owners: We take personal accountability for our work, our decisions, and our collective success. We celebrate our wins together and treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
- We are Inclusive: We believe our diversity makes us stronger. We cultivate a welcoming environment where unique perspectives are valued, all while being united by our shared love for sports and technology.
Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in Hayes employer: Hawk-Eye Innovations
At Sony Sports Technology, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Delivery Manager in our Biomechanics team, you'll benefit from hybrid working arrangements, allowing for a balanced professional and personal life, while also having the opportunity to shape delivery practices that impact major sports leagues. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises employee growth and meaningful contributions to the world of sports technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in Hayes
✨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 Hawk-Eye Innovations. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in Hayes
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 Hawk-Eye Innovations 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 Hawk-Eye Innovations
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Hawk-Eye Innovations, 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.
