Head of Events & Operations (Football & International Programmes)

This is a pivotal, senior role at Varsity Nine, with full ownership of our events and operations function. We deliver high-quality football-led events and international programmes for ambitious young athletes - from trials and training camps to global tours across destinations such as the USA, UAE and Australia - alongside a growing portfolio across other sports including rugby, golf and athletics.

We are now looking for a Head of Events & Operations to take full ownership of our event delivery - someone who can lead from the front, bring structure to a fast-growing business, and elevate the quality and consistency of everything we do. This is not a traditional events role. You’ll operate across strategy and delivery, equally comfortable planning international tours as you are rolling up your sleeves on the ground.

• You will own and deliver all Varsity Nine events and associated operations end-to-end.
• From initial planning through to execution and continuous improvement, you will be responsible for ensuring every event is delivered to a high standard - operationally, commercially and experientially.
• You’ll work closely with the Directors, acting as the lead for events and operations across the business. You’ll be trusted to take full ownership - making decisions, solving problems, and driving progress without constant oversight.
• You’ll play a key role in shaping how this function evolves as the business grows.

• Leading the planning and delivery of all events - including football trials, training camps, showcases and international tours.
• Owning event operations end-to-end, ensuring consistency, quality and attention to detail across every touchpoint.
• Establishing and improving operational processes to support consistent, scalable event delivery.
• Managing budgets, suppliers and logistics to ensure commercially successful delivery.
• Leading and directing staff on events, creating a professional and well‑run environment for both team and clients.
• Driving continuous improvement through post‑event evaluation and innovation.
• Working cross‑functionally with marketing, placements and leadership to align events with wider business goals.
• Managing and developing our Operations Assistant, ensuring consistently high standards of preparation and delivery.

• Strong experience delivering sports events (football experience highly desirable).
• A track record of owning projects or programmes end-to-end.
• Commercial awareness - confident managing budgets and making decisions that impact performance.
• The ability to operate both strategically and hands‑on.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset - someone who gets things done.
• Confidence managing people, stakeholders and suppliers.
• A genuine interest in sport and developing young athletes.
• A genuine focus on delivering exceptional client experiences.

Experience working with football programmes, clubs, academies or international tours is a strong advantage - but mindset and ownership are more important than background. This role would suit someone already operating at a senior level within a smaller organisation, or ready to step up into a Head of role with full ownership and autonomy.

• This is a hybrid role combining time in our offices (Milton Keynes and Marlow), remote working, regular travel to events across the UK, and international travel (including the USA, UAE and Australia).
• Flexibility is essential - events don’t always happen 9–5.

• A genuine opportunity to own and shape a core function of a growing business.
• Work in a dynamic, ambitious environment with strong growth plans.
• Be part of delivering impactful sporting experiences internationally.
• Competitive salary with performance‑related bonus.
• Significant scope to grow with the business.