Company Name:
Sheffield Wednesday
Location:
Sheffield
Vacancy Type:
Permanent
Position:
Academy
Advertising End Date:
17 Aug 2025

About The Role

This is a key role in which you can contribute to the success of the Academy by leading the Academy’s delivery of administrative, operational, logistical and other support services in consultation with the Academy Manager.

You will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Academy run efficiently and effectively to the highest standards, whilst promoting the Academy culture and creating an elite environment for the development of young players.

The role will require working closely with departments and staff across the Academy to create a co-ordinated approach to deliver an outstanding Academy programme for the players, parents, staff and other stakeholders

The Academy Operations Lead will have a fundamental role in developing and maintaining the Academy’s current category status and also leading continuous improvement initiatives.

  • To lead and manage the Academy operations creating an integrated approach between the relevant departments required to deliver the efficient and effective running of the Academy.
  • Responsible for the general organisation (scheduling, transport, kit/equipment, staffing, accommodation, hospitality, medical care) to facilitate the Academy’s training and games programme across all phases
  • Produce weekly, monthly and annual schedules of the Academy programme
  • Lead the player registration process for players in the Professional Development Phase and line manage the person responsible for schoolboy player registrations, ensuring all rules and regulations are adhered to.
  • Manage the electronic database of all players and staff ensuring adequate measures are put in place to update the information regularly
  • Management of the administration requirements for the International call ups of Academy players in the Professional Development Phase
  • Responsible for monitoring and recording the required information to meet and exceed the needs of the ISO Audit and to ensure that the Academy Performance Plan (APP) is maintained and developed in line with the requirements of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
  • Project manage the ISO audit tool and the processes surrounding the audit process
  • Prepare and distribute trip/tour paperwork including EFL/PL/FA forms, travel arrangements, insurance, itineraries, pre-visits and risk assessments
  • Work with the club’s Commercial department to maximise commercial opportunities and generate additional income
  • Work closely with HR and Accounts to ensure all required staff information is provided in relation to HR records and Payroll, which will include submitting time sheets and expenses to Payroll deadlines and confirming DBS data for HR files
  • Work closely with Human Resources to facilitate the entire recruitment process (drafting and implementation of recruitment adverts and job specifications, reviewing applications, working closely with the Academy Manager and relevant Head of Department in relation to candidate selection, involved in the decision-making process, induction etc) in line with the rules and regulations laid out by the relevant football authorities
  • Support the Academy Manager and Human Resources with first stage HR issues including probationary reviews, performance, disciplinary, grievance and welfare matters, as well and training and development
  • At all times ensure compliance with all the rules and regulations for the FA, EFL, PL and FIFA
  • Oversee scout requests in line with Academy protocol and EFL rules
  • Attend CPD events (internal and external)
  • Adhere to SWFC policies including H&S requirements and Code of Conduct.
  • Adhere to Safeguarding polices and practices, ensuring concerns are reported via CPOMS to the Academy Safeguarding Lead.
  • To promote and support a Culture where everyone is treated fairly and with respect, inline with the Club’s EDI vision and commitment statement.
Complete any other reasonable tasks as requested by the Head of Academy.

About The Candidate

ESSENTIAL:

  • Previous experience in an administrative/operational role
  • Strong administrative capabilities, with an ability to structure workflow and to organise multiple tasks
  • A positive, proactive “can do” attitude towards all activities to ensure the successful delivery of the Academy programme
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbally, able to communicate and liaise with both junior/senior and internal/external stakeholders
  • Highly motivated and passionate about working in an Elite environment
  • Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding policies and procedures
  • Experience of working within a team and producing excellent results
  • An ability to manage and lead people
  • High attention to detail
  • Able to deal with confidential matters as per the club’s confidentiality policy
  • Excellent IT skills, proficient in MS Office applications
  • Full driving licence

DESIRABLE:

  • Previous experience in an Academy or elite sports environment
  • Knowledge of Elite Player Plan Performance (EPPP) rules and regulations
  • Knowledge of rules and regulation in relation to player registrations

About The Club

Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post will be subject to a criminal record check or an enhanced DBS check.

SWFC is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer and welcomes applicants from all sectors of the community

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