Commercial & Operations Director / Chief Operating Officer

Organisation: Hartlepool United FC
Salary: Competitive / Dependent On Experience + Benefits
Location: The Prestige Group Stadium, Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ
Contract type: (Full time)
Closing date: 4 July 2025
Job Description: Hartlepool United Football Club are seeking to recruit the position of Commercial & Operations Director / Chief Operating Officer (dependent on experience), who will look to build upon recent successes and represents an incredible opportunity for the correct candidate to help shape and lead the next chapter in the Club's remarkable history.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

• Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and Chairman.
• Overall responsibility for all off-field commercial led budgets and targets.
• Leading and inspiring a team of staff in a hands-on manner to deliver best in class operational and commercial solutions.
• Supporting day to day line management and development of operational and commercial staff including Ticketing, Retail, Matchday, Commercial, Grounds & Facility, Football Administration.
• Leading and supporting commercial team activity to identify, drive and deliver new commercial opportunities and growth. Personally, leading high value commercial partnerships and sales as necessary.
• Leading development of a 7-day-per week programme of stadium activity including conferencing, functions and stadium events.
• Proactively overseeing, monitoring and driving stadium and facility plans via relevant staff to meet maintenance, safety and budget targets.
• Overseeing and driving improved operational control systems alongside the finance team.
• Representing the Club at senior executive meetings with relevant governing authorities.
• Helping shape and manage supporter group engagements and volunteer opportunities.
• Being a Club spokesperson with media and press when required.
• Working alongside the Board and football department to support and help manage a full football pathway programme including integration of Academy and Community Foundation.
• Supporting the Head of Football Operations and 1st team manager where necessary, to ensure smooth delivery of football operations including matchday, facility requirements, travel and transport.
• Integrating with stadium development and improvement plans and project teams.
• Working alongside the Group Financial Director in procurement and contracting for commercial related contracts.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential

• Proven senior management track record with relevant sector experience.
• Sporting sector experience (football specific is highly desirable but not essential)
• An ability and willingness to be hands-on as well as strategic.
• Track record of managing and delivering financial budgets and targets.
• An ability to inspire people with varying skill sets from various departments.
• Flexibility with working hours to suit the demands of the business including attendance on home matchdays.
• Ability to handle pressure and to satisfy multiple stakeholders to deadline.
• Strong presentational skills and media awareness.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and manage lasting relationships.
• An enthusiastic, committed and self-driven individual who wants to deliver success.

Highly Desirable

• Football sector experience.
• A track record of delivering commercial sales growth within a sporting sector.
How to apply: To apply please send CV and Covering Letter to secretary@hartlepoolunited.co.uk and include the following details marked for the attention of Tom Crawford.