Head of Football Operations

A-Leagues is on a mission to become the league of choice for modern Australians and New Zealanders, uniting communities through a shared passion for football. We’re seeking a visionary and strategic Head of Football Operations to help drive the delivery of our core football product across both the Isuzu UTE A-League Men and Ninja A-League Women competitions.

Reporting directly to the COO, this influential role offers a rare opportunity to work at the heart of elite football, collaborating with Clubs, Football Australia, Referees, PFA, and key football stakeholders. You’ll lead end-to-end match operations, competition planning, player registration compliance, and strategic partnerships – all while innovating to enhance league growth.

If you’re a proactive leader with deep football operations experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and a drive for excellence, this is your chance to make a genuine impact on the game.

About Us:

A-Leagues is a team of people who are passionate about our vision to be the league of choice for modern Australians & New Zealanders, uniting communities through a shared love of football.

Our team champions our leagues by empowering clubs to deliver football excellence and build lifelong connections with fans, to unlock our potential for growth within the global game.

The Opportunity:

The Head of Football Operations will work in tandem with all internal departments and in alignment with APL’s core values to actively contribute to and build an agile and action-oriented team delivering our core football product and our leagues.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Football Operations strives to drive excellence in the delivery and the success of the on-field product across both the A-League Men and A-League Women’s competitions. Working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders both domestically and internationally, with A-Leagues Clubs, Football Australia and the PFA, this role will drive collaboration, best practice and innovation in driving our on-field product and operations functions forward to assist in fan engagement and league growth.

The Responsibilities:

• Oversee the delivery of key seasonal planning functions including Domestic Match Calendar agreement with FA and the development of fixtures for circa 320 matches per season
• Oversee the delivery of all week to week planning functions to deliver matches each week – including travel planning, staff appointments and contingency procedures for weather, venue issues and adverse conditions
• Oversee security planning procedures and regulations for medium and high risk matches including working with venues, security and police stakeholders.
• Provide support to the relationship and engagement between the FA and Clubs on key AFC and FA projects including participation in the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup and Club Licensing
• Engage with external stakeholders frequently about emerging issues and improvements that can be made to the on-field product or league rules, ensuring democratic and transparent collation of feedback and decision making process.
• Actively research and develop relationships with key football providers and suppliers for the purpose of central services that can be provided to club football departments that assist in improving players, commercial data or transfer opportunities for clubs.
• Develop and maintain systems, procedures & practices to manage the registration of players, contracts management, CBA compliance, salary cap compliance and audit.
• In association with the FA and the FA Head of Referees, ensure the effective budgeting, operation and delivery of the full referees program for both competitions including but not limited to A-League referees training, appointments, assessment processes, data analysis, club engagement and implementation of VAR and other technologies.
• Represent the A-Leagues in key AFC, FIFA and League meetings as directed by the COO.
• Manage and run the A-Leagues Club Football Committee – holding regular meetings, gathering feedback on key club issues and concerns and using the committee to drive change to rules, production adaptations as required.
• Work with the FA, A-Leagues Clubs and ASADA to provide compliant medical and anti-doping services and practices.
• Lead relationship with PFA and delivery of standards set with the CBA across the league and clubs
• Manage relationships and issues with FA, PFA and Clubs around player regulatory matters, disputes and resolutions
• Manage the annual regulatory review process of key competition rules and regulations for both competitions on an annual basis, including but not limited to:

– Player Contract Regulations and associated player contracting framework

– Medical framework

– Disciplinary and compliance framework

– Competition Regulations & Rules;

– Player Contract Regulations

– Minimum Medical Standards

– Player Disciplinary administrative process; and the All Clubs Fines System.

Our Values:

EVERY FAN IN MIND – We respect the privilege and responsibility that comes with our mission to unite, entertain and grow our game.

PLAY OUR OWN WAY – In order to get and stay ahead of the game, we create and innovate.

WIN TOGETHER – The only way to win is to win together; who makes the assist is as important as who scores the goal.

GET OFF THE BENCH – We don’t sit on the bench – we expect everybody to get up and involved.

PLAY FAIR – Sport is all about competitiveness and fierce rivalry, but we always play fair!

We believe in creating an inclusive environment, and we encourage anyone interested in this role to reach out and start a conversation, regardless of gender or the number of skills that match your profile. Join us on our journey to revolutionise the digital sports experience and let’s make a difference together!

About You:

• Proven experience and success in a high profile and demanding football environment.
• Extensive understanding of the Australian football landscape at domestic and international level including regulations, competition structures, talent development and market trends.
• A demonstrated understanding of the commercial needs and challenges across the A-League and its clubs and how the on-field product can assist in driving commercial outcomes.
• Excellent collaboration, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work closely and build trust and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to maintain sound judgement for all key stakeholders in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Proactive, with the ability to forward think and effectively and efficiently synthesise and translate disparate information into clear recommendations, actions and decisions.

Why work for us?

You’ll get to work as part of an elite team of passionate and like-minded individuals. On top of that, there’s:

• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous leave entitlements including company paid parental leave.
• Monthly mobile phone allowance.
• Employee Recognition Program.
• Plus benefits, discounts and tickets.

Above all, we love football and, if you do too, you’ll love working with us. So if you’re excited about this opportunity, please ‘Apply now’.

APL does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruiters or employment agencies. Please note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Thanks for your understanding.