Head of Operations & Compliance

Organisation: AFC Wimbledon Foundation
Salary: £23,400 (22.5 hours per week)
Location: Cherry Red Records Stadium, Plough Lane, London, SW17 0NR
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 26 April 2026
Job Description: This is a pivotal leadership role within AFC Wimbledon Foundation, supporting the strategic and operational effectiveness of the charity. You will work closely with the CEO to strengthen systems, processes, and compliance frameworks, ensuring the Foundation operates efficiently, safely, and in line with best practice.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the development and delivery of AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s administrative functions, implementing efficient procedures that enable the Senior Leadership Team and staff to deliver high-quality charitable and fundraising activities.

• Oversee critical areas including Health & Safety, HR, Safeguarding, and legal compliance, ensuring robust, effective systems are in place and fully GDPR compliant. This role offers the opportunity to strengthen the organisation’s infrastructure and support its continued growth and impact.

• Assess and refine administrative processes across the Foundation, ensuring a consistent approach supported by up-to-date systems that enhance departmental efficiency.

• Work closely with the CEO to improve compliance and governance in line with the Premier League Charitable Funds Capability Code of Practice and Charity Commission requirements, creating action plans and coordinating relevant staff and stakeholder groups.

• Oversee the Foundation’s risk and compliance framework, implementing effective protocols and assessments to maintain an up-to-date risk register.

• Support the CEO in compiling and disseminating reports and guidance on safeguarding, health & safety, GDPR, and legal policies, providing quarterly updates to the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

• Manage end-to-end staff and volunteer recruitment, including robust induction processes, employment contracts, and compliance with criminal record checks.

• Maintain an accessible, staff-friendly shared drive for office and HR forms, and create a comprehensive archive for partnership agreements and staff contracts, ensuring all resources are up-to-date and compliant with legislation.

• Develop and oversee procedures for the central procurement and distribution of staff and player uniforms, giveaways, trophies, medals, tickets, and equipment, working with the Finance Officer to secure best value.

• Enhance efficiency and user experience for revenue-driven community activities, using insights and evaluation to report on trends and contribute to Premier League / Football League Equality Standard data.

• Manage all aspects of the Foundation’s offices, including office resources, IT equipment, and improvements to the working environment.

• Ensure interactions with young people and adults at risk are appropriate, maintaining professional language, behaviour, and demeanour, and undertake relevant safeguarding training.

• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures, reporting any incidents and producing risk assessments for every session.

• Undertake additional duties as required by the Line Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
• Hold a relevant higher education or industry recognised certification or have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working within charity operations.
• ECDL advanced qualification or equivalent.
• Project Management and/or leadership qualifications to level 4 or above.

Experience:
• Proven experience in developing administrative and operational systems and strategies to support the effective growth of a charity or similar organisation.
• Strong understanding of the Premier League’s Capability Code of Practice and minimum compliant operating standards.
• Experience with online booking systems, databases, and bespoke digital platforms.
• Previous senior leadership experience, including responsibility for governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and the development and implementation of policies and risk assessments.
• Experience working within the sport or charity sectors is highly desirable.

Skills & Behaviors
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to develop and maintain efficient systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building effective relationships with staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organisations.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously, while contributing strategically to the Senior Leadership Team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance, governance, and risk management.
• Proficient in digital platforms, databases, and office IT systems, with the ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion, with an understanding of best practice when working with young people and adults at risk.
How to apply: To apply, please go to https://afcwimbledonfoundation.com/work-with-us and review the full job description and information pack. Then complete an application form and CV and send it to: recruitment@afcwimbledonfoundation.org.uk Please use this email to clarify any aspects of this application or the recruitment process.