Chief Operating Officer Full Time

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Employer: Lewes FC

Hours & Availability: Full Time Role –flexible, but often unsociable hours

Salary: £50,000

Reports to:Board of Directors

Reports: Facilities Manager, Commercial Manager, Fan & Community Engagement Manager

Key relationships: Board of Directors, Head of Women’s football, External Partners.

Location: The Dripping Pan, Lewes, Mountfield Road with WFH flexibility

Job description

· Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Board of Directors and club staff to develop and execute against our club strategy, aligned with the club’s mission and objectives.

· Operational Management: Oversee all club operations, including but not limited to facilities, marketing, commercial and financial management.

· Team Leadership: Provide leadership to the team, fostering a performance-orientated, positive and collaborative culture, accountability, and continuous improvement.

· Financial Oversight: Manage budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and audit processes to ensure the club’s financial health and sustainability.

· Risk Management: Identify and manage operational risks, ensuring compliance with FA or other regulators.

· Performance Monitoring: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor operational performance and drive improvements.

· Communication and Reporting: Communicate effectively with the Board of Directors, staff and stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports on operational activities and performance.

· Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to streamline processes, optimise resource allocation, and enhance operational efficiency and performance across the club.

What does success look like?

· Operational Excellence: The COO would successfully streamline operations, optimise resource allocation and communication flow, that would result in smooth day-to-day operations of a high performing club.

· Financial Health: The COO would effectively manage the club’s finances, ensuring sound budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting processes.

· Strategic Growth: The COO would play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives to support the club’s on and off the pitch mission.

· Team Engagement and Development: The COO would foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the organisation. Success would be reflected in high levels of employee engagement, low turnover rates, and a motivated and high-performing team.

Application ProcessLewes FC prides itself as an equal opportunity employer and we encourage and welcome applications from all candidates including those from under-represented backgrounds such as women, people with disabilities, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates.

Given the low levels of diversity in football, we understand that candidates from under-represented backgrounds are unlikely to have been given adequate opportunity in the game. Consequently, we will ensure that the application process does not unduly favour candidates with such experience over applicants without it.

All applicants must have specific Safeguarding and Protecting Children / FA Safeguarding Children qualifications and a DBS Clearance / Enhanced FA CRC check before starting the role.

To apply, please email a CV and cover letter outlining why you’d be great for the role alongside any relevant experience to applications@lewesfc.com with the subject line: “COO: Your Name”.

We will be accepting applicants through the interview process. The role will be open until filled.

Please clearly articulate in your cover letter how your experience and personal characteristics align with the values and ambitions of Lewes FC, as well as provide evidence of how your qualifications and experience match the role described below.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

· Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably as a COO, CFO or equivalent, within the sports, hospitality, or entertainment industry.

· Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with a track record of driving organisational growth and success.

· Strong leadership and team-building abilities, with a focus on fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

· Strong experience in financial management principles and experience managing budgets and financial performance.

· Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives and drive continuous improvement.

· A passion for sports and a commitment to promoting the club’s mission and values.

C1OO