Academy Operations & Administration Lead - Women's Football

Organisation: Sheffield United Football Club
Salary: Dependent on Experience
Location: Sheffield Hallam Sports Park, Tinsley
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 18 August 2025
Job Description: Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
Location: Sheffield Hallam Sports Park, Sheffield United Training Academy, Shirecliffe & Bramall Lane
Line Manager: Head of Women's Football
Salary: Dependent on experience
Post Reference: SUW082025-PAO

For a valid submission, please complete and return our official application form, found on our vacancies page: https://www.sufc.co.uk/club/vacancies/suw-academy-operations-administration-lead-suw082025-pao/

Sheffield United Women's Team are seeking a highly organised and effective communicator who can thrive under pressure and contribute to developing a high-performing environment. The Academy Operations & Administration Lead will be responsible for, and manage the operational delivery of the Academy programme, including all Academy administration, scheduling, facility management and governing body compliance. The successful candidate will assist with driving the Club's main vision through strategic planning and operational management.

Role Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning
-Assist with the implementation of the Academy performance Plan (APP), that reflects the strategy and vision on the Club.
-Work with the Head of Women's Football to monitor the Academy performance against the APP.
-Ensure that regular operations meetings take place, so that communication across the Academy is clear.

Audit & Compliance
-Ensure the club retains its Category 1 licence, and achieves good standards at audit.
-Support the Head of Women's Football with Academy budget management, assisting on forecasting, invoicing and purchase orders.
-Ensure full compliance with all rules and regulations set by the FA/League.

Coaching & Development Programme
-Work closely with the Academy Manager, leading on all operational needs of the Academy, including fixture planning and coordination, training scheduling, and ensuring that Teamworks is maintained and updated regularly.
-Lead on Player registration for the Academy, ensuring that all players are correctly registered on iFAS, WGP etc.
-Ensure that underpinning documents, such as APP, Emergency Actions Plans, Risk Assessments etc. are in place and regularly reviewed.
-Work with all areas of the Academy, ensuring that their operational needs are met, including but not limited to, educational workshops, player reviews, parent/carer workshops.
-Lead on the Academy induction process, ensuring all information is delivered appropriately.
Work with the Women's Safeguarding Lead to ensure that the academy programme is safe to operate.

Academy & External Links
-Identify ways to work collaboratively with the Club's Boys academy and departments across the Club.
-Build links with partner organisations such as education establishments, the County FA, leagues, professional clubs and junior clubs to support the function of the Academy.
Other
-Attend FA/Academy meetings as and when required.
-Work with the Clubs media/marketing team to ensure the Academy story is shared with the Club's fan base in a positive light.
-Any other reasonable requests as directed by management.

Club wide Responsibilities:

-To adhere to all Sheffield United Football Club's Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to foster an environment which protects from harm those defined as children and adults at risk.
-To report any concerns of a Safeguarding nature to the relevant parties and remain fully compliant with any applicable Safeguarding checks and due diligence and recognise your responsibility to the Club's Safeguarding agenda.
-To report any concerns of discrimination to the relevant parties and promote a welcoming and inclusive club environment for all.
-To adhere to the Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies, supporting the Club to create an environment which is inclusive and all-encompassing.
-To carry out/take part in training requests as directed by the Club.

Essential Criteria for the Role:

-Degree, in a relevant area
-Completion of an Enhanced DBS Upon offer acceptance
-FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
-FA Emergency First Aid
-Management experience in an Academy set-up
-Knowledge of the Professional Game, and Academies within it
-Knowledge and experience of working in a fast paced and diverse environment
-Proficient recording and reporting skills
-Excellent communication skills
-Financial awareness and the ability to manage budgets
-Ability to work under pressure

Desirable Criteria for the Role:

-Effective Coaching in the Female Game Course
-Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to create a thriving culture
-Knowledge of and experience within in Women's Game
-Managing and motivating teams
-Develop a high performing environment
How to apply: Application Process Please download and save the application form before inputting information. If you require a paper copy please contact the HR department careers@sufc.co.uk or call 0114 253 7200. Completed application forms must be submitted via email to careers@sufc.co.uk stating the vacancy title in the subject or posted to HR, Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU. Closing Date: Monday 18th August 2025 Please note that in the instance of high volumes of applications we may close this vacancy earlier than the closing date noted above. Sheffield United Application Form Required Please download and save the application form before inputting information. Eligibility for Employment in the UK In accordance with current legislative requirements the successful applicant must produce documentary verification of their eligibility to work in the UK and will not be allowed to start work until this has been received. Equality and Diversity Sheffield United FC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its employment policies for recruitment, selection, training, development and promotion are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability or gender reassignment. Sheffield United FC are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like further information regarding the scheme and how we are able to support disabled persons within the workplace, then please contact our HR team at careers@sufc.co.uk Safer Recruitment Sheffield United FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK. For further information on the Club's Safeguarding Statement please access the following link: sufc.co.uk/club/policies/safeguarding-policy