General Manager Women's Football

About the business
Fiercely proud of our unique Western Suburbs heritage - the Western Bulldogs have represented Melbourne’s West, our geographic heartland, for over 100 years. Our famous Bulldog fighting spirit mirrors that of the West – where hard work and standing up for what you believe in matters. We are the team of the Mighty West, for the West, which has been ingrained in our Club for many years. However, our story is no longer only defined by where we come from. Our horizons have lifted, unprecedented opportunities await, and with that there is a moment in time to evolve.
While some things change, some stay the same. Our Club still exists to bring people together and create lasting memories, as much as it strives to win premierships. It’s about our people, and their shared passion for the red, white and blue. It’s about ambition, pride, determination, and having a place to call home. We’ll always be entrenched in our community, embracing the beauty and strength in its diversity. It’s the story of what it means to be a Bulldog ‘Through & Through’.
We strive to create an inclusive environment where all are celebrated and belong regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or background. We are a child safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. If you are looking to be a part of a committed and passionate team, the Western Bulldogs encourage you to apply for this fantastic role.
What the Club is seeking
The General Manager Women’s Football oversees the strategic leadership and operational excellence of our Women’s Football programs, ensuring the realisation of our commitment to delivering high performing AFLW and VFLW teams. In this pivotal role, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following key responsibilities:

• Leading a positive, connected and enjoyable environment underpinned by a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Leading a high-performing and effective football program that delivers strong on-field performance from our AFLW and VFLW teams.
• Management and oversight of all elements of list management and recruiting, inclulding player retention, player acquisition and trading, and player contracting.
• Overseeing physical performance, sports science, medical and ancillary operations, as well as prioritising the education, welfare, and professional career development of our players.
• Managing player welfare, medical services, and allied health professional services with a focus on holistic well-being.
• Oversight of professional development and growth of all staff within the program.
• Ensuring complete compliance with all relevant policies of the AFL, the Club, and regulatory bodies.
• Nurturing positive relationships with all key stakeholders including Club partners and stakeholders, the AFL and AFL Victoria, broadcasters and media, and our members and fans.

Additionally, you will be responsible for:

• Directing day-to-day administration and operational functions within both AFLW and VFLW football programs.
• Upholding and ensuring compliance with the AFL competition rules and regulations.
• Ensuring seamless adherence to AFLW player obligations in relation to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Skillfully managing budgetary and re-forecasting requirements, as well as management of the Total Player Payments Cap and Soft Cap.
• Conducting staff management, including recruitment and annual performance review processes for the Department.
• Aligning the management of the Club’s Women’s football programs with the Club’s overarching Guiding Principles and Football Strategy.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for advancing women’s football and possess a track record of operational excellence, we invite you to join our dynamic team and contribute to the success of our AFLW and VFLW teams and overall women’s program.
Skills and experience

• Strong strategic leadership experience
• Previous management experience in AFL and/or AFLW programs (or other equivalent elite level sport)
• Passion for and commitment to women’s sport
• High-level communication and relationship skills
• Highly organised and proactive
• Strong financial literacy including operational budgeting experience

What’s on offer

• Close to West Footscray Station with free onsite parking
• Club membership - Free access to Western Bulldogs AFL and AFLW home games for you and your family
• Continuous learning & development – Array of paid and discounted professional training and development opportunities on offer
• Flexible working arrangements – up to 2 days work from home opportunity dependant on role
• Additional Work Life Leave provided to those who are required to work weekends
• Deals & Discounts with corporate sponsors - over 40% in some cases
• Parent friendly – Paid Primary and Secondary Carer’s Leave available
• Wellbeing focus including - access to our EAP Converge includes up to 6 free counselling sessions for you and your immediate family and regular education/initiatives sessions

Desirable Criteria
Application Instruction
If you are interested in working in a challenging yet extremely satisfying position, please click on link & attach your resume and a cover letter outlining your key attributes. Applications close at 11.59pm on 22 January 2024.
Successful candidates will be required to hold a valid working with children check and a satisfactory national criminal history check.
The Western Bulldogs acknowledge that we reside on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands, and through them to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples past, presenting and emerging. Western Bulldogs encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.