Overview
As Senior Phase Operations Manager, you will shape the Operational framework for the Professional Development Phase within the Academy, enabling PDP teams and developing players to thrive. You will connect the Academy with a wide network of colleagues to ensure clear plans, action delivery and adequate off-field support. You will lead phase meetings, manage information systems, and set minimum service levels for phase operations. You will planning and deliver arrangements for Academy teams in Premier League and EFL competitions, including camps, fixtures and player movements, while ensuring compliance and budget alignment. This is a role that combines multi-team coordination with a focus on
Pay / Benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave plus birthday
- private healthcare and dental cover
- annual discretionary bonus
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support
- pension and life assurance
Responsibilities
- Lead the weekly phase meeting and coordinate cross-Academy activities
- Maintain accurate information in Teamworks and deliver minimum service levels across phase operations
- Plan and deliver arrangements for Academy teams in PL and EFL competitions (fixtures, camps, phase activities)
- Manage phase budget and player movements while ensuring compliance with whereabouts requirements
- Lead the U16 scholarship validation meeting process with multidisciplinary teams, parents and stakeholders
- Line manage the Phase Operations Executive and build strong relationships with staff, players and parents
- Contribute to Academy-wide projects and support tournaments, trips and fixtures across other phases
- Support the broader operational environment to ensure age-appropriate, well-organised support on and off the pitch
Key requirements
- Experience in a football academy environment with understanding of developing players’ operational needs
- Proven project or programme management experience
- Experience working with multidisciplinary staff and stakeholders
- Understanding of young performers and age-appropriate environment considerations
- Willingness to work flexible hours, travel domestically and internationally
- Full UK driving licence and strong communication and multi-priority management abilities
- strong communication
- relationship-building with players, parents and staff
- flexibility and adaptability
- Teamworks (information system)
- budget management
- planning and scheduling
Senior Phase Operations Manager in Manchester employer: Manchester City FC
City Football Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in Manchester that prioritises employee well-being and development. With benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and access to sports and leisure clubs, employees are supported both personally and professionally. The company fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions to the People Programme can lead to meaningful change, ensuring you grow alongside the organisation until October 2027 and beyond.
