Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in London

Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in London

London Temporary 18.2 - 18.2 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
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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: Competitive hourly rate, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth in sports tech.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and personal development.
  • 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.

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)
    • 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
    • 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?

  • 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 London employer: HEI

At Hawk-Eye Innovations, we offer an exciting opportunity to be part of the dynamic world of live Premier League operations right in Stockley Park, London. Our collaborative and high-performance culture fosters personal growth and innovation, ensuring that every team member is empowered to excel while working with cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced environment. With flexible matchday contracts and the potential for progression into international tournaments, we are committed to supporting your development in the thrilling realm of sports technology.

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Contact Details:

HEI Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in London

Get Active in Local Sports Circles

Dive into local sports clubs and recreation centres where you'll find temporary opportunities popping up all the time. Join community events or volunteer at local tournaments to meet folks in the sports-recreation management scene and make a name for yourself!

Utilise Seasonal Hiring Spikes

Keep an eye out for peak seasons in the sports world, like holidays or major events. Companies like HEI might ramp up hiring for those times, so get your name out there early by visiting their booths at career fairs or sports expos!

Tap into University Career Services

If you're studying, don’t forget about your uni’s career services. They often have connections to temporary roles in sports-recreation management that might not even hit public job boards. Get in touch and see who they know!

Show Off Your Passion Online

Create a portfolio showcasing your skills in sports-recreation management – think about events you've organised, teams you've coached, or projects you've led. Share this on social media to catch the eye of potential employers like HEI and boost your visibility in the field!

We think you need these skills to ace Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) in London

Video Feed Management
VAR & Replay Support
System Operation & Monitoring
Incident Logging & Archiving
VARDict System Delivery
Technical Troubleshooting
Excellent Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your CV and cover letter, we need to see your love for sports and recreation shining through! Mention any relevant experiences, like managing events, coaching, or even volunteering in local sports clubs. This is key for Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) at HEI!

Tailor Your CV for Temporary Work:Given that this is a temporary role, highlight your adaptability and willingness to jump in and learn quickly. Include any past temporary roles or projects that showcase your ability to work in fast-paced environments, as it’ll show you can hit the ground running at HEI.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications relevant to sports management or health and safety (like first aid or sports coaching), make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These can set you apart from other candidates for Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO) at HEI.

Use Engaging Language and a Conversational Tone:When writing your cover letter, keep it friendly and engaging! We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to HEI's team in a fun, vibrant way.

How to prepare for a job interview at HEI

Show Off Your Event Management Skills

In the sports and recreation management field, being able to organise events is key. Come prepared with examples of events you've managed, whether in your studies or in past experiences. Highlight how you tackled challenges and kept everything running smoothly – this will show that you're ready for the fast-paced nature of potential roles at HEI.

Know the Latest Trends in Sports Management

Being in the know about current trends can give you a real edge. Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in sports management, like sustainability initiatives or digital engagement strategies. Dropping a few insights during your interview with HEI will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the field.

Focus on Your Adaptability

As a temporary role, adaptability is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've handled sudden changes or unexpected situations in previous jobs or projects. Emphasise your flexibility and willingness to learn quickly, as these traits will reassure HEI that you can handle whatever comes your way.

Pitch Your Unique Value

In a temporary position, companies want to know what unique skills you bring to the table. Make sure to highlight specific skills or experiences that set you apart, especially in relation to sports management, like knowledge of sports psychology or community engagement. Presenting yourself as a unique asset can help cement your position with HEI.