General Manager (12 month Progression to Managing Director)
**Football League
Location: South East England
Salary: £80,000 – £100,000 + Full Benefits Package
Overview
As a progressive Football League club entering a pivotal phase of transformation our client is fuelled by strategic investment and a firm commitment to long-term performance, both on and off the field. With solid foundations and ambitious aspirations, the club is now seeking a driven General Manager ready to step into a Managing Director role within 12 months. Working closely with an experienced CEO, the successful candidate will be guided through a structured transition that provides the knowledge, exposure, and leadership experience required to assume full executive responsibility in 2026. The club is embarking on a journey to strengthen its competitive position, enhance sustainability, and deepen engagement with supporters and the wider community. This role is central to that future.
The Role
The General Manager will act as the club’s operational and strategic anchor, leading day-to-day business activity while shaping the long-term plans that will define its next era. With complete oversight of club operations and P&L, the role drives commercial success, financial discipline, organisational cohesion, and the delivery of the Board’s growth agenda. This is a highly influential position that integrates football operations with the broader business context, ensuring collaboration, clarity, and alignment across all departments.
Responsibilities
* Translate the Board’s ambitions into a clear, actionable club-wide strategy. - Provide informed, regular reporting to the Board on progress, risks, financial health, and emerging opportunities.
* Act as a senior ambassador for the club, cultivating trusted relationships with league representatives, sponsors, partners, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
* Hold full responsibility for the club’s Profit & Loss, annual budgeting cycle, and long-term financial roadmaps.
* Embed disciplined financial controls, transparent reporting, and effective governance.
* Enhance and diversify income streams, including ticketing, hospitality, commercial partnerships, broadcast-related revenue, and retail, while ensuring prudent cost management.
* Architect and deliver a robust commercial strategy that expands sponsorships, maximises corporate partnerships, and boosts matchday and non-matchday revenues.
* Identify and implement innovative commercial initiatives to improve financial stability and create new income opportunities.
* Lead ticketing strategy to elevate attendance, improve yield, and enrich the matchday experience.
* Cross-Functional & Football Integration - Partner closely with senior football leadership to ensure alignment between on-pitch strategy and business objectives.
* Foster a connected, high-performance culture across football, commercial, and operational teams.
* Operations & Compliance - Oversee all operational aspects of the stadium, ensuring safety, efficiency, and full compliance with Football League and statutory regulations.
* Support capital projects, infrastructure planning, and operational improvements that enhance the club’s facilities and fan experience.
* Digital, Brand & Fan Engagement - Lead the club’s digital evolution across social media, content, data-driven engagement, and e-commerce.
* Drive initiatives that place supporters at the heart of the club’s decision-making, ensuring a strong and meaningful fan voice.
* Strengthen the club’s position as a key community institution by guiding outreach programmes, charitable partnerships, and youth initiatives.
* Align community and academy activities to support the club’s long-term sustainability and deepen local loyalty.
Experience
* Proven leadership experience within a professional football club environment.
* Football League experience in a senior management role.
* Ambition to progress into a Managing Director position and readiness to take on full executive leadership within the next 12 months.
* Strong background in P&L ownership, financial planning, and managing large operational budgets.
* Demonstrable experience in strategic development, commercial growth, and contract negotiation.
* Deep understanding of football governance, regulatory requirements, and club operational structures.
* A motivating and inclusive leader capable of developing high-performing teams and driving cultural excellence across departments.
* Commercially astute with an entrepreneurial mindset and ability to spot and maximise new business opportunities.
* Highly analytical with strong financial literacy and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
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