Football Operations Manager

With the support of the committee, you will be responsible for the oversight and management of the day-to-day operations of the football club, with a focus on leading the playing, compliance and operational requirements of the club while maintaining the professionalism of the club.   

Formed in 1958, Centrals is a foundation club of AFL Cairns and has been located at Trinity Beach Sporting Complex since 1985. Centrals is an inclusive family organisation, comprising senior, junior, women and netball entities that embody the Vision, Mission and Values of the club. The club has emerged as the leading club within the region financially and administratively and through our professionalism on and off the field, Centrals has been a major influence in attracting marquee players to the CAFL competition for a number of years.  Centrals have recently updated their Constitution and prepared a 12-month operational plan and a five-year Strategic Plan with the aim of carrying out major infrastructure improvements to our football and social club facilities. Centrals are also working on a draft infrastructure master plan which will establish the long term strategic objectives of the club for the next 20 years.

Are you what we’re looking for? This is an exciting opportunity for a football leader who has extensive experience in coaching, recruitment, and Football Operations to join our club.  You will manage all aspects of the club’s Football Operations on and off the field, drive the mentoring and development of the coaches and players to deliver on-field results and work towards the goals of the Strategic Plan. 

This role aims to ensure Centrals Senior, Women, Junior and Netball clubs and their associated programs are operated in a professional and appropriate manner, in line with the Vision, Mission and Values of the club and with clear, transparent governance.

Foster a professional, inclusive, and diverse environment to support the welfare of the football playing group, volunteers and staff representing the Club while ensuring our one club culture is encompassed in all interactions and communication.

• Provide strategic advice, mentoring and leadership to all Centrals players, coaches and support staff. 
• Ensure good culture and governance through the development, coordination and delivery of the Football Operational Plan in liaison with the Board and Senior Coach including the provision of education and support for all players, coaches, and staff.
• In collaboration with Senior Coach, recruit and strategically build the Centrals Trinity Beach Football Club playing list by attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent available.
• Develop, negotiate, and deliver player and coaching contracts for all the club’s entities, liaising with the Executive and Coach where appropriate.
• In coordination with the Executive and Coaches, lead and deliver all football related communication and compliance paperwork with AFL Cairns in accordance with the league rules.
• Oversee all training and game day operations to ensure all personnel, functional and equipment requirements are met.
• Recruit and manage medical staff for training and game day operations, manage medical team consumables and equipment.
• Attend monthly board meetings, ensure action items are addressed and provide Football Operations reporting.
• Liaise with the football staff and the Social Club Manager and team to coordinate and successfully deliver key events.
• Drive the management of the Football operations budget, lead membership and sponsorship attraction, fundraising campaigns, and grant opportunities, attract and manage volunteers, work with service providers to ensure regular, effective communication to all stakeholders through online and offline channels.
• Manage the delivery of the Centrals Junior Pathways Program.
• Drive the deliverables within the Strategic Operational Plan in 2024 including:
  • attraction and management of volunteers to deliver critical operations of the club including the appointment of a volunteer manager;
  • membership and sponsorship attraction activities to deliver revenue and corporate / community stakeholder targets; and 
  • Review grant opportunities and identify appropriate actions relating to current and future infrastructure plans under the guidance of the Board.
• Other duties as determined and negotiated by the Board and Executive Committee where appropriate.

• AFL Coaching Accreditation 
• Strong football knowledge and extensive coaching experience 
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop and retain players
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic and people management, operational, financial, and administrative experience 
• Strong time management, prioritisation, and organisational skills
• Relationship driven, excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven history of forging strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• A commitment to learning & development – and a willingness to assist in building a continuous improvement culture

Specific key performance indicators will be developed with the successful candidate upon appointment.

If you are interested in this position, please send through your CV and Cover Letter that addresses why you are interested in working with Centrals Trinity Beach Australian Rules and Sporting Club, why you are a great fit for the role and how you can contribute to the culture and professionalism of the club.

For more information and to view the Position Description and Strategic Plan, go to https://ctbbulldogs.com/clubvalues/

Applications close 5pm Friday 19 April 2024