Job Title Academy Operations Manager Department Academy Reports to Operations Director and Academy Director Direct Reports Academy Safeguarding and Operations Officer, Academy Education Lead Academy Performance Wellbeing Lead Location Cobdown Park, Station Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6AU Working Pattern 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends Level of DBS Enhanced Child Barred List About Us: London City Lionesses are part of the Kynisca group, setting a vision and building an infrastructure in which all the players and staff can thrive. Owned by Michele Kang, our vision for Kynisca is to: 1. Become the most pre-eminent sports organisation in the world; 2. Have a high-performance culture of winning on and off the pitch; 3. Train women as women; and 4. Motivate and inspire the next generation of girls and women. Our Values : We Lead The Way | We Dream Big | We Get it Done | We Innovate | We Inspire our Community Role Purpose: The Academy Operations Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering an exceptional operational environment across the Academy programme (U12–U21). Working in close partnership with the Academy Director and technical leadership, the role ensures the Academy operates with clarity, consistency and excellence, allowing players, coaches and staff to focus on development and performance. This position provides senior oversight of planning, logistics, compliance, safeguarding and administration, while leading continuous improvement in how the Academy operates, grows and evolves. Main Duties/ Responsibilities 1. Academy Operational Leadership Provide strategic and day‑to‑day leadership of all Academy operations. Set clear operational standards that reflect the Club’s high‑performance culture. Line manage and support the Academy Safeguarding and Operations Officer, modelling best practice and accountability. Act as the senior operational decision‑maker and escalation point within the Academy. 2. Planning, Logistics & Delivery · Lead the operational planning and delivery of training, fixtures and competitive programmes across the Academy. · Oversee U21 and senior Academy matchday operations, home and away. · Manage travel, accommodation, facilities and scheduling with a focus on player welfare, efficiency and consistency. · Work collaboratively with First Team and Club Operations teams to ensure timely communication and the seamless shared use of facilities. 3. Operations, Systems & Administration · Hold oversight of player registrations, contracts, compensation and associated Academy processes. · Ensure accurate and robust use of Academy systems, data and reporting. · Oversee key Academy calendars, communications and operational workflows. · Support player movement, transitions and progression through the Academy pathway. · Manage communication with parents and guardians while building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders including The FA, Women’s Leagues, Kent FA and Youth League organisations, ensuring effective collaboration and smooth operational delivery. 4.Compliance, Safeguarding & Governance · Take a leadership role in ensuring the Academy meets and exceeds FA and Professional Game Academy criteria. · Own the Academy audit preparation and evidence management. · Work closely with safeguarding leads to embed best practice in welfare, inclusion and safety. · Ensure operational compliance is understood and upheld across Academy staff. 5. Continuous Improvement · Review and improve Academy operational processes and systems on an ongoing basis. · Introduce efficiencies and best practice to support Academy growth and sustainability. · Contribute to the strategic development and long‑term planning of the Academy programme. 6. Other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time-to-time by management Club Accountabilities 1. To comply with all Club policies, procedures and practices and carry out your role diligently and in the best interests of the Club 2. To lead with a proactive, high-performance mindset and actively contribute to a winning culture on and off the pitch 3. To behave in a manner consistent with Club values and policies 4. To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements. 5. To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel. What we are looking for Qualifications and Training Essential · Safeguarding · EFAiF (can be obtained once in role) Desirable · Project Management or Operations Management qualification Knowledge, Skills and Experience Essential · Demonstrable experience in an operational leadership role, ideally within elite sport or a comparable environment · Knowledge of FA and Professional Game Academy systems and processes · Proven ability to manage complex logistics and multi‑stakeholder programmes · Experience leading staff or operational functions · Strong organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills · Experience working within safeguarding‑ and compliance‑driven environments · Ability to operate calmly and effectively in fast‑paced, high‑performance settings · Strong alignment with Club values and a commitment to player development Desirable · Experience within women’s football Characteristics · Passionate about women’s football and broader women’s sport culture. · Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to deal with matrix stakeholders & ambiguity. · High standards of personal integrity and EQ. · Comfortable and able to work on own initiative · Has a learning mindset; is keen to continue their self-development and keep up to date with best practice and learning opportunities · Continually seeks to improve efficiency and performance · Seeks out and embraces new ways of thinking and working – not afraid to fail. London City Lionesses is committed to safeguarding, health and safety, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. We prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, the well-being of all staff and visitors, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. These responsibilities are shared by all staff and volunteers, with safeguarding, safety, and inclusivity being collective priorities. All staff are required to adhere to the Club’s policies, complete relevant training, and actively contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This includes timely reporting of concerns, compliance with health and safety regulations, and upholding the Club’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination. For certain roles, additional checks, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or health assessments, may be required. Applications must include a fully completed application form; CVs alone will not be accepted. All candidates will be assessed on merit and their alignment with the Club’s values.