Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) role at WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
Join to apply for the Chief Operating Officer (COO) role at WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
WRU - Welsh Rugby Union provided pay range
This range is provided by WRU - Welsh Rugby Union. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Role Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal executive role reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and bottom-line performance across all WRU operational activities. Focused on scaling operations, the COO will oversee Finance, Stadium Operations and Event Delivery, Technology Operations, Legal.
The role requires a transformative leader with the ability to align operational infrastructure with the organisation’s strategic objectives, through delivering a modern, efficient operational framework that can leverage opportunities for the greater benefit of Welsh Rugby.
Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday.
Our standard working hours are generally 9am – 5pm but our approach to hybrid working - ‘Team Tactics’ means you can flex your hours and attendance in the office and at events to support a sustainable work-life balance
Due to the nature of our business, attendance at out of hours events during evenings and weekends are an essential part of this role.
Salary: £150,000 - £180,000 per annum.
Closing Date: 13th June 2025.
The Person:
* Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field.
Skills and Competencies:
* Exceptional leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team
* Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving efficiency and cost optimisation.
* Deep understanding of financial management, operational strategy, basic legal operations and technology-driven innovation.
* Proven ability to manage complex operations, including multi-functional teams and large-scale infrastructure.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance.
* Excellent IT skills, specifically Microsoft Packages.
Experience:
* Extensive experience in senior operational leadership roles, ideally in the sports, entertainment, or similar sectors.
* Proven track record of strategic planning and delivering operational efficiencies and cost savings in complex organisations.
* Demonstrated success in leveraging technology and digital innovation to improve operational performance.
* Strong background in financial oversight supported by an accounting qualification or significant equivalent experience and knowledge in accounting rules and regulations.
* Experience in driving cultural change and fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment.
Desirable:
* Experience in the rugby sector or a similar sporting ecosystem.
* Experience of operating at Board and Board committee level.
* Experience in a senior finance role is desirable however this should not prohibit applications from senior leaders in other operational specialisms.
* Familiarity with legal and regulatory frameworks governing national governing bodies or sports organisations.
* Passion for rugby and an understanding of its cultural and operational dimensions.
* Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable.
Personal Attributes:
* Visionary and results-oriented, with a commitment to operational excellence.
* A collaborative leader with the ability to build strong relationships with people across all areas of the WRU and Welsh rugby ecosystem.
* Resilient and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
* Strong ability to be agile in an ever-changing environment, adaptable to change.
* Commitment to actively contribute to, and driving, an inclusive culture.
* High level of emotional intelligence, able to engage and influence appropriately.
The Role:
* Develop and execute a comprehensive operational business strategy and business plan process to support organisational growth and sustainability.
* Providing leadership to Finance, Technology Operations, Legal, and Stadium and Event Operation Leads, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
* Drive operational efficiency through process optimisation, automation, and technology-driven innovation.
* Ensure financial stability and discipline by implementing rigorous budgetary controls and resource allocation processes.
* Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making, improve operational performance, and identify opportunities for innovation.
* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all operational teams. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements with responsibility for annual finance audit.
* Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to align operational priorities with revenue growth and strategic initiatives.
* Delivering greater shared efficiencies of the WRU and Regions operating in a more aligned manner.
Key Activities:
Operational Strategy and Leadership:
* Develop and implement an operational roadmap aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals for 2029.
* Lead cross-functional teams to identify and deliver operational efficiencies, cost savings, and process improvements.
* Ensure the organisation’s operational infrastructure is scalable and capable of supporting future growth.
Financial Oversight:
* With the Finance Director, deliver financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
* Implement rigorous financial controls to manage costs and optimise resource allocation.
* Provide input and support to the CEO and Board with respect to strategic and financial objectives and ensuring financial transparency and sustainability.
* Identify financial issues and advise on key issues of growth, investment and profitability.
Stadium Operations:
* Optimise stadium operations to deliver exceptional event-day experiences while maintaining cost efficiency.
* Oversee partnerships with service providers (e.g., catering, security, maintenance) to ensure seamless operations.
* Drive revenue from non-match day activities, ensuring effective utilisation of stadium facilities.
Technology and Digital Innovation:
* Champion the adoption of technology to automate processes, enhance efficiency, and support strategic initiatives. Ensure the organisation’s technology infrastructure is secure, scalable, and aligned with best practices.
* Ensure robust IT infrastructure that is fit for purpose
* Champion a data-driven culture, leveraging analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Legal and Compliance:
* Ensure compliance with legal, accounting, tax, regulatory, and governance requirements across all operations, providing advice to Boards.
* Oversee legal processes, contracts, and risk management activities.
* Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and auditors.
People and Culture:
* Collaborate with the Chief People Officer to align operational priorities with talent strategies.
* Build high-performing, collaborative teams across operational functions.
* Enhancing and celebrating the Welsh culture, enabling the Welsh language to thrive in the workplace.
* Foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
Key Relationships:
Internal:
* CEO (line manager)
* Executive Team
* Senior Leadership Team including direct reports
* Operational and administrative teams
* Board and governance committees
External (Supporting the Head of Functions within the COO remit):
* Finance Partners: Banks, financial advisors, auditors, and investment partners to ensure sound financial management, compliance, and resource optimisation.
* Chief Executive Officers & Finance Directors of four professional clubs
* Legal Partners: Law firms, regulatory bodies, and compliance agencies to manage contracts, governance, and risk mitigation.
* Vendors and Service Providers: Technology, infrastructure, catering, and stadium operation partners to support efficient delivery of services.
* Regulatory Authorities: Tax authorities, employment regulators, and industry compliance bodies to ensure adherence to all legal and financial regulations.
Industry Peers and Alliances:
National and international governing bodies and operational leads in other sports organisations to share best practices and drive collaboration.
WRU Requirements:
The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a DBS check.
The Perks:
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:
* 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
* Pension (9% employee, matched by WRU)
* Life assurance (4 x basic annual salary)
* WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with Ticketing Policy)
* Employee assistance programme
* Enhanced Company Sick Pay
* Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
* Free stadium parking and gym
* WRU Group store and tour discounts
* WRU Group partnership offers (subject to change)
Our Values:
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU:
The WRU Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to supporting and prompting equality and diversity. We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Diversity monitoring:
We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve.
To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form.
None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application. It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes.
You can select 'prefer not to say’ if you would rather not answer any question.
Crynodeb o'r Rôl
Mae'r Prif Swyddog Gweithredol (COO) yn rôl weithredol ganolog sy'n adrodd yn uniongyrchol i'r Prif Swyddog Gweithredu, sy'n gyfrifol am sbarduno rhagoriaeth weithredol, effeithlonrwydd a pherfformiad elw net ar draws holl weithgareddau gweithredol URC. Gan ganolbwyntio ar ddatblygu gweithrediadau, bydd y COO yn goruchwylio Cyllid, Gweithrediadau Stadiwm a Chyflenwi Digwyddiadau, Gweithrediadau Technoleg ac ymdrin â materion Cyfreithiol.
Mae'r rôl yn gofyn am arweinydd trawsnewidiol gyda'r gallu i alinio seilwaith gweithredol ag amcanion strategol y sefydliad, trwy ddarparu fframwaith gweithredol modern, effeithlon a all ysgogi cyfleoedd er budd rygbi Cymru.
Lleoliad: Stadiwm Principality, Caerdydd
Oriau Gwaith: 35 awr yr wythnos. Dydd Llun i Ddydd Gwener
Ein horiau gwaith yn gyffredinol yw 9am – 5pm ond mae ein hagwedd at weithio hybrid - ‘Tactegau Tîm’ yn golygu bod eich oriau a’ch presenoldeb yn y swyddfa yn hyblyg er mwyn cefnogi cydbwysedd cynaliadwy rhwng bywyd a gwaith
Cyflog: £150,000 - £180,000
Dyddiad Cau: 13 Mehefin 2025
Y person
* Gradd mewn Gweinyddu Busnes, Rheoli Gweithrediadau, Cyllid, neu faes cysylltiedig.
Sgiliau a Chymwyseddau:
* Sgiliau arwain eithriadol gyda'r gallu i ysbrydoli ac ysgogi tîm amrywiol
* Galluoedd dadansoddol a datrys problemau o'r safon uchaf, gan ganolbwyntio ar yrru effeithlonrwydd ac optimeiddio costau.
* Dealltwriaeth ddofn o reolaeth ariannol, strategaeth weithredol, gweithrediadau cyfreithiol sylfaenol ac arloesedd sy'n cael ei yrru gan dechnoleg.
* Gallu profedig i reoli gweithrediadau cymhleth, gan gynnwys timau aml-swyddogaethol a seilwaith ar raddfa fawr.
* Sgiliau cyfathrebu a rheoli rhanddeiliaid rhagorol, gyda'r gallu i ddylanwadu ar bob lefel.
* Gwybodaeth a dealltwriaeth ragorol o gydymffurfiaeth reoleiddiol.
* Gwybodaeth a dealltwriaeth ragorol o gydymffurfiaeth reoleiddiol.
* Mae'r gallu i gyfathrebu a gweithio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn ddymunol.
Profiad:
* Profiad helaeth mewn uwch rolau arweinyddiaeth weithredol, yn ddelfrydol yn y sectorau chwaraeon, adloniant neu debyg.
* Hanes profedig o gynllunio strategol a chyflawni effeithlonrwydd gweithredol ac arbedion costau mewn sefydliadau cymhleth.
* Dangos llwyddiant wrth drosoli technoleg ac arloesi digidol i wella perfformiad gweithredol.
* Llawer o brofiad mewn goruchwyliaeth ariannol a llywodraethu.
* Profiad o ysgogi newid diwylliannol a meithrin amgylchedd cydweithredol, perfformiad uchel.
Dymunol:
* Profiad yn y sector rygbi neu ecosystem chwaraeon debyg.
* Yn gyfarwydd â fframweithiau cyfreithiol a rheoliadol sy'n llywodraethu cyrff llywodraethu cenedlaethol neu sefydliadau chwaraeon.
* Angerdd am rygbi a dealltwriaeth o'i ddimensiynau diwylliannol a gweithredol.
Priodoleddau Personol:
* Yn llawn gweledigaeth ac yn canolbwyntio ar ganlyniadau, gydag ymrwymiad i ragoriaeth weithredol.
* Arweinydd cydweithredol gyda'r gallu i feithrin perthynas gref â phobl ar draws pob rhan o URC ac ecosystem rygbi Cymru.
* Yn gydnerth ac yn hyblyg, yn ffynnu mewn amgylchedd deinamig a chyflym.
* Y gallu i fod yn hyblyg mewn amgylchedd sy'n newid yn barhaus ac yn gallu addasu i newid.
* Ymrwymiad i gyfrannu'n weithredol at, a gyrru, diwylliant cynhwysol.
* Lefel uchel o ddeallusrwydd emosiynol, yn gallu ymgysylltu a dylanwadu'n briodol
Prif Gyfrifoldebau
* Datblygu a gweithredu strategaeth weithredol gynhwysfawr i gefnogi twf sefydliadol a chynaliadwyedd.
* Darparu arweinyddiaeth i Arweinwyr Gweithrediadau Cyllid, Technoleg, Cyfreithiol ac Arweinwyr Stadiwm a Digwyddiadau, gan sicrhau y glynnir at amcanion strategol y sefydliad.
* Gyrru effeithlonrwydd gweithredol trwy optimeiddio prosesau, awtomeiddio, ac arloesi sy'n cael ei yrru gan dechnoleg.
* Sicrhau sefydlogrwydd a disgyblaeth ariannol trwy weithredu rheolaethau cyllidebol trylwyr a phrosesau dyrannu adnoddau.
* Targedu data a dadansoddeg i lywio penderfyniadau, gwella perfformiad gweithredol, a nodi cyfleoedd ar gyfer arloesi.
* Meithrin diwylliant o atebolrwydd, cydweithredu a gwelliant parhaus ar draws yr holl dimau gweithredol.
* Sicrhau cydymffurfiaeth â gofynion cyfreithiol, rheoleiddiol a llywodraethu.
* Cydweithio â'r Prif Swyddog Gweithredu a'r Tîm Gweithredol i alinio blaenoriaethau gweithredol â thwf refeniw a mentrau strategol.
Prif Weithgareddau
Strategaeth Weithredol ac Arweinyddiaeth:
* Datblygu a gweithredu map ffordd gweithredol sy'n cyd-fynd â nodau strategol y sefydliad ar gyfer 2029.
* Arwain timau traws-swyddogaethol i nodi a chyflawni effeithlonrwydd gweithredol, creu arbedion costau a gwella prosesau.
* Sicrhau bod modd datblygu seilwaith gweithredol y sefydliad ac y gall gefnogi twf yn y dyfodol.
Goruchwyliaeth Ariannol:
* Goruchwylilo cynllunio ariannol, cyllidebu, ac adrodd er mwyn sicrhau aliniad gyda nodau'r sefydliad.
* Gweithredu rheolaethau ariannol trylwyr i reoli costau ac optimeiddio dyraniad adnoddau.
* Gweithio'n agos gyda'r Prif Swyddog Gweithredu a'r Bwrdd i sicrhau tryloywder ariannol a chynaliadwyedd.
* Gweithrediadau Stadiwm:
* Optimeiddio gweithrediadau stadiwm i ddarparu profiadau digwyddiadau dydd eithriadol wrth gynnal effeithlonrwydd cost.
* Goruchwylio partneriaethau gyda darparwyr gwasanaethau (e.e. arlwyo, diogelwch, cynnal a chadw) er mwyn sicrhau gweithrediadau di-dor.
* Hyrwyddo refeniw yn sgil gweithgareddau nad ydynt yn rhai sy'n ymwneud a gem, gan sicrhau defnydd effeithiol o gyfleusterau'r stadiwm.
Technoleg ac Arloesi Digidol:
* Gweithio mewn partneriaeth â'r Prif Swyddog Twf i ddatblygu a gweithredu arloesiadau digidol sy'n gwella profiadau cefnogwyr a chreu refeniw.
* Hyrwyddo mabwysiadu technoleg i awtomeiddio prosesau, gwella effeithlonrwydd, a chefnogi mentrau strategol.
* Sicrhau bod seilwaith technoleg y sefydliad yn ddiogel, yn raddadwy ac yn cyd-fynd ag arferion da.
Data a Dadansoddeg:
* Goruchwylio casglu, dadansoddi a defnyddio data i wella perfformiad gweithredol a gwneud penderfyniadau.
Cysylltiadau Allweddol
Mewnol:
* Prif Swyddog Gweithredu (rheolwr llinell)
* Tîm Gweithredol
* Uwch Dîm Arwain gan gynnwys staff yn adrodd yn uniongyrchol
* Timau gweithredol a gweinyddol
* Pwyllgorau bwrdd a llywodraethu
Allanol (Cefnogi'r Pennaeth Gweithrediadau o fewn cylch gorchwyl y Prif Swyddog Gweithredol)
* Partneriaid Cyllid: Banciau, cynghorwyr ariannol, archwilwyr a phartneriaid buddsoddi i sicrhau rheolaeth ariannol gadarn, cydymffurfiaeth ac optimeiddio adnoddau.
* Partneriaid Cyfreithiol: Cwmnïau cyfreithiol, cyrff rheoleiddio ac asiantaethau cydymffurfio i reoli contractau, llywodraethu a lliniaru risg.
* Gwerthwyr a Darparwyr Gwasanaeth: Partneriaid technoleg, seilwaith, arlwyo a gweithredu stadiwm i gefnogi darparu gwasanaethau'n effeithlon.
* Awdurdodau Rheoliadol: Banciau, cynghorwyr ariannol, archwilwyr a phartneriaid buddsoddi i sicrhau rheolaeth ariannol gadarn, cydymffurfiaeth ac optimeiddio adnoddau.
GOFYNION URC
Mae URC yn mynnu bod gan unigolion sgiliau TG, yn benodol pecynnau Microsoft. Mae sgiliau cyfathrebu ysgrifenedig a llafar rhagorol yn hanfodol, ynghyd â'r gallu i feithrin perthnasoedd cryf gyda rhanddeiliaid mewnol ac allanol.
Mae'r gallu i gyfathrebu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg a Thrwydded Yrru Ddilys y DU yn ddymunol. Mae'r rôl hon yn amodol ar wiriad DBS sylfaenol/manwl.
Y MANTEISION
Fel aelod parhaol o Grŵp URC, bydd gennych fynediad at ein hystod lawn o fuddion cyflogeion, gan gynnwys:
Ein Gwerthoedd
Mae Grŵp URC wedi ymrwymo i ddatblygu diwylliant lle mae pob gweithiwr yn cael ei werthfawrogi a'i barchu'n gyfartal. Mae ein nodau, ynghyd â’n gweledigaeth a’n cenhadaeth, wedi’u tanategu gan ein gwerthoedd a’n credoau craidd sy’n croesawu: Uniondeb, Rhagoriaeth, Llwyddiant, Dewrder, Teulu a Hiwmor.
Cynhwysiant yn URC
Mae Grŵp URC wedi ymrwymo i ddarparu Jyrsi i Bawb. Mae hyn yn cynnwys y bobl sy'n gweithio i ni a gyda ni. Rydym yn uchelgeisiol ynglŷn â darparu diwylliant sy'n rhoi pobl yn gyntaf, lle gall pawb fod yn perthyn a chael eu clywed a’u parchu. Rydym yn hapus i siarad â chi am ein Cynllun Cydraddoldeb, Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant (2023-2028) a gallwch hefyd ddarllen rhagor am ein hymrwymiad yn ein Polisi Cydraddoldeb, Amrywiaeth a Chynhwysiant.
Monitro amrywiaeth
Gwyddom ein bod yn darparu gwasanaethau gwell pan fo ein gweithlu’n adlewyrchu’r ystod lawn o gefndiroedd a phrofiadau yn y gymdeithas a wasanaethwn. Er mwyn parhau i wneud hyn mae angen eich help arnom i lenwi ffurflen fonitro fer. Ni fydd unrhyw wybodaeth y byddwch yn ei rhannu yn weladwy fel rhan o'ch cais. Dim ond i fonitro cynwysoldeb ein prosesau dethol yn ddienw y caiff ei defnyddio. Gallwch ddewis ‘gwell gennyf beidio â dweud’ os byddai’n well gennych beidio ag ateb unrhyw gwestiwn.
* Pensiwn Aberth Cyflog (cyfraniad cyflogai o 5%,cyfraniad cyfatebol gan URC)
* Cynllun yswiriant bywyd
* Dyraniad Tocyn Grŵp URC
* Rhaglen cymorth i weithwyr
* Tactegau Tîm – trefniadau gweithio hybrid
* Parcio stadiwm a champfa am
* Gostyngiadau siop a theithiau Grŵp URC
* Cynigion partneriaeth Grŵp URC
* Cynllun Talebau Gofal Llygaid
* Cynllun Beicio i'r Gwaith
* Gostyngiadau Gwestai'r Celtic Collection
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Management and Manufacturing
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