Job Description
Interested applicants should apply via email to Olivia Spinelli - olivia@varsitynine.com - providing a covering letter and CV. We do not accept applications via LinkedIn EasyApply.
Location: Hybrid - Milton Keynes / Marlow / On the road / International travel
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.
Role Highlights:
* You will own and deliver all Varsity Nine events and associated operations end-to-en
* 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
Responsibilities:
* 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
Requirements:
* 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.
Working Style & Location:
This is a hybrid role combining:
* Time in our offices (Milton Keynes and Marlow)
* Remote working
* Regular travel to events across the UK
* International travel (including the USA, UAE and Australia)
Flexibility is essential - events don’t always happen 9–5.
Why join Varsity Nine?
* 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
Application:
Interested applicants should apply via email to Olivia Spinelli - olivia@varsitynine.com - providing a covering letter and CV. We do not accept applications via LinkedIn EasyApply.