At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, oversee cricket activities, and drive commercial growth.
- Company: Middlesex Cricket is dedicated to inclusivity and excellence in sports management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a focus on diversity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cricket while leading high-performing teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for sports.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and value unique perspectives in our team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Lord’s Cricket Ground & other locations as required
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports: Heads of Department across Operations, Marketing, Membership, IT, Commercial and Property
Key relationships: CFO, Director of Cricket, Board, ECB, Sponsors, Partners, Local Authorities
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking an inclusive, strategic, and dynamic leader to join Middlesex Cricket as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this pivotal role, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Club, ensuring seamless execution across cricket operations, outground games, membership services, marketing and communications, commercial, IT, and property management (non-playing facilities). Working closely with the CEO, CFO, and Director of Cricket, the COO will play a key role in delivering our long-term strategy, driving commercial growth, and enhancing operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking individual who is passionate about leading high-performing teams and shaping a sustainable, inclusive future for the Club.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Organisational Development
- Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies aligned with the Club’s overall vision and strategic plan.
- Foster a positive, inclusive culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.
- Collaborate with the CEO and CFO on the creation of commercially sustainable plans.
- Represent the CEO at key internal and external events and functions, sharing responsibility with the CFO as appropriate.
- Cricket Operations & Outground Management
- Oversee operational planning and delivery of all home fixtures, with a particular focus on outground matches.
- Ensure the smooth operation of cricket activities in collaboration with the Director of Cricket.
- Work with stakeholders to ensure that facilities and services support high-performance outcomes and enhance the fan experience.
- Champion a high-quality member experience and service excellence.
- Oversee ticketing systems and supporter engagement platforms to strengthen community connections.
- Commercial
- Oversee the management of the Commercial team, contributing to the creation and execution of commercial strategy delivering against company goals.
- Property, Infrastructure & IT
- Lead the strategic development and management of non-playing facilities, including the new office at Swyncombe Avenue and the new site.
- Oversee IT infrastructure and digital systems to ensure security, efficiency, and scalability.
- Drive digital transformation and improve internal and external service delivery.
- Collaboration & Team Leadership
- Work closely with the CFO on financial planning, budgeting, and commercial initiatives.
- Partner with the Director of Cricket to align cricketing and operational goals.
- Inspire and lead cross-functional teams, nurturing a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role (e.g. COO or equivalent), ideally within sport, entertainment, or a similarly dynamic and stakeholder-driven environment.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, commercial delivery, and operational excellence.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management and forecasting.
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills — able to engage, inspire, and influence across all levels.
- Experience leading diverse functions such as marketing, commercial, IT, facilities, and customer/member experience.
- Solutions-focused, collaborative mindset with a strong sense of integrity, accountability, and resilience.
- Passion for developing high-performing teams and promoting inclusive, people-first leadership.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including Board-level experience.
Desirable
- An understanding of cricket or experience working in a professional sporting environment.
- Experience working in a membership-based organisation, charity, or not-for-profit setting.
- Familiarity with venue operations, capital development projects, and digital infrastructure.
Why Join Us?
At Middlesex Cricket, we are committed to creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We value different perspectives and experiences and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities in sport and leadership.
If you’re an operational leader with vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence and inclusion, we’d love to hear from you.
COO employer: Middlesex Cricket
Contact Detail:
Middlesex Cricket Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land COO
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports industry, especially those who have experience in operational roles. Attend events or seminars related to cricket or sports management to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Middlesex Cricket thoroughly, including their recent initiatives and strategic goals. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering an inclusive culture. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders mentioned in the job description, such as the CEO, CFO, and Director of Cricket. Understanding their roles and how they interact can give you insights into the organisational dynamics you'll be part of.
We think you need these skills to ace COO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the COO position at Middlesex Cricket. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and operational needs.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to showcase your senior operations leadership experience, particularly in dynamic environments like sports or entertainment. Highlight specific achievements in strategic planning, commercial delivery, and team leadership that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cricket and your commitment to fostering an inclusive culture. Use this opportunity to illustrate how your values align with those of Middlesex Cricket and how you can contribute to their long-term strategy.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Given the importance of collaboration in this role, emphasise your experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including Board-level interactions. Provide examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and driven operational excellence in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesex Cricket
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the COO role and its key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with Middlesex Cricket's strategic goals and how the COO contributes to them. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in fostering an inclusive culture and driving high performance. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led diverse teams and managed cross-functional collaboration in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves financial planning and budget management, be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas. Highlight specific instances where your financial strategies contributed to operational success or commercial growth.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The COO role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders, including board members and external partners, to achieve common goals.