Deputy Safety Officer
Location: Elland Road Stadium - LS11 0ES
Reports to: Head of Matchday Operations
Application Deadline: Friday, 26th September 2025
Overview
Join the Team Behind the Team. At Leeds United, we know that success on the pitch starts with strength behind the scenes. As our Deputy Safety Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring, as far as reasonably possible, the safety of everyone attending events at the Stadium, in accordance with the Safety Certificate terms and conditions and the Club’s Policy for Spectator Safety, through the establishment, operations and monitoring of suitable systems and controls, maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation and best practice. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone wanting to gain further experience on the pathway to becoming a Safety Officer. This role will make a real impact by helping create a safe, inclusive, and positive sporting environment where everyone can perform at their best.
What You’ll Be Doing
This role will support the Safety Officer in both the day-to-day safety operation, including health and safety at work-related matters, and the planning and operation of match days and other such events that may take place at Elland Road Stadium.
Key Responsibilities:
* Assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of all matches and events at Elland Road Stadium, to ensure the management and operation of those events is fully compliant with all of the requirements of the Safety Certificate, national legislation and with the guidelines set down by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).
* Assist to develop and promulgate Safety Policies for the Club for match days and events in line with changes in legislation, best practice and identified problems through appropriate risk assessment.
* Assist the Stewarding Staffing Manager with the processes of recruitment, training, development and motivation of staff working within the match day safety & security team, whilst ensuring compliance with club policies on Spectator Safety, Health and Safety, relevant legislation and industry best practice.
* Assist in drafting deployment plans to ensure the appropriate positioning of stewards and other personnel on matchdays to ensure the numbers of staff and allocation complies with the Safety Certificate.
* Assist with carrying out relevant checks and assessments as required by the SGSA Green Guide, of physical infrastructure relating to matchday operations.
* Assist with ensuring the stadium is fit for purpose and fully compliant with all Health & Safety legislation for the staging of all events on the premises, in accordance with the General Safety Certificate.
* Assist with the building of key relationships with the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and relevant officers from Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Sports Ground Safety Authority, the Premier League and other partner organisations in relation to the organisation and management of all matches and events to ensure they meet a consistently high standard. Attend relevant meetings as required.
* Assist with the hosting of pre-match and post-match debriefs, the production of associated documents and the review of post match reports, actioning any matters to be addressed.
* Assist with the implementation of the Spectator Disciplinary policy, including the investigation of matchday incidents and taking the appropriate action to either warn or suspend spectators; drafting correspondence to spectators receiving club bans and liaising closely with police for any matters that involve an offence; chairing behaviour agreement meetings and managing the disciplinary register.
* Assist in the reviewing of operations manuals, polices, procedures and documents relating to matchday operations and security, updating as necessary.
* Assist to continually review the operation of the department and implement actions to improve its effectiveness and keep up to date with changes/trends in football and adopt best practice where appropriate.
* To cover as Safety Officer for any U23, U21 and any Ladies matches held at the Stadium.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone proactive, personable, and who thrives in a busy environment.
You’ll ideally have:
* NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Spectator Safety Management
* Previous experience (minimum of 2 years) working in a stadium or events safety role, within a stadium setting or large public venue (music, entertainment, sport)
* A wide knowledge and experience of the safety issues in relevant sporting venues and an excellent working knowledge of the SGSA Green Guide
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office and be computer literate.
* Experience in crowd dynamics and spectator safety.
* Experience and working knowledge of the Licensing Acts and control of licensed premises.
* Experience and working knowledge of the requirements of The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 and associated legislation.
Why Should You Join Leeds United?
Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive people team where your voice is valued and your development matters.
In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting perks, including but not limited to:
* Free on-site gym access
* Free parking
* A variety of healthy food options available on-site
* Training and Education support
* Enhanced family-friendly policies and support
* Access to staff football tickets
* Exclusive discounts at our club shop
* Special offers and enhanced discounts through our key sponsors and partners
* Plus, many more unique benefits that come with being part of our club community
Apply here: https://www.leedsunited.com/en/club/careers
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