DFY Academy Growth & Operations Manager DFY Sports Deadline: 22 Aug 2026

£30,000 during a six-month probationary period, increasing to £35,000 following successful completion of probation. Bonus up to £5,000 annually, linked broadly to participant growth and sustainable income through Academy growth, schools, partnerships and sponsorship; detailed targets to be agreed.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends.

Location: London, with regular presence at DFY Academy sites and partner schools in Brent.

Start: September 2026.

The DFY Academy Growth & Operations Manager will take ownership of the reliable delivery, ambitious growth and commercial development of the DFY Academy. The role will directly oversee football and basketball operations, coordinate Academy-wide systems and work in close partnership with Sara, who retains ownership of dance. The aim is to ensure every programme is well organised, appropriately staffed, financially sustainable and able to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for children and families. This is not a maintenance-only operations role. The manager will be expected to think commercially and creatively about how DFY can grow: increasing participation, strengthening school and community routes into the Academy, developing sponsorship and partnership opportunities, establishing new delivery locations and helping shape DFY’s long-term expansion across London.

Key responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the day-to-day operational running of football and basketball, while coordinating Academy-wide systems and working collaboratively with Sara on areas connected with dance.
• Ensure sessions, teams, venues, coaches, registrations, fixtures, equipment and communications are organised accurately and on time.
• Oversee coach rotas and resolve staffing gaps, cancellations and delivery issues quickly.
• Manage pitches, venues, league affiliations, player registrations, trials, waiting lists, participant onboarding and organise equipment.
• Ensure parents and coaches receive clear and timely information through WhatsApp groups, booking systems and other communication channels.
• Maintain accurate attendance, registration, capacity and participant records.
• Support the operational setup and delivery of DFY holiday camps where required.
• Oversee the growth and operational delivery of football, basketball and dance.
• Manage the football and basketball head coaches, retaining accountability for participation, standards and results.
• Grow basketball across Wembley and Newman College, including recruitment, staffing, venues and parent communication.
• Strengthen pathways from schools, camps, community sessions and trials into Academy teams.
• Ensure teams have appropriate league, competition and friendly-fixture opportunities.
• Develop and deliver a clear growth plan for each Academy sport and location.
• Increase regular participation and improve conversion from enquiries and free trials into retained participants.
• Prioritise outreach to new schools to grow DFY’s delivery across London and create stronger routes into the Academy.
• Identify and secure suitable schools, community venues and delivery locations.
• Build relationships with families, schools, community organisations and local networks in the areas where DFY operates.
• Provide clear weekly and monthly updates on Academy operations, growth and emerging risks.

Essential experience and capabilities:

• Experience managing sports, education, youth or community programme operations.
• Strong organisational ability across staffing, scheduling, venues, logistics and communication.
• Experience resolving operational problems quickly and independently.
• Experience in programme growth, participant recruitment, memberships, sales, business development or partnerships.
• Experience managing, coordinating or supporting coaches, staff or freelancers.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and equal access to sport.

The role includes an annual performance bonus of up to £5,000. The intention is for this role to develop into a senior management position as DFY grows. It offers the opportunity to build a broad leadership profile across operations, programme development, business development, people management and expansion.

20 days of annual leave. Christmas shutdown, normally providing an additional three to four days depending on the calendar. Pension contribution in line with DFY policies. Free places at DFY holiday camps for the employee’s children. Regular mentoring and professional development.