Team Operations Lead - PDP U16-U21

JOB TITLE: Team Operations Lead - Professional Development Phase (U16-U21)

LOCATION: Cobham Training Ground

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time

Closing date: 14th July

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Team Operations Lead to play a key role in delivering a high-performance, well-run environment for our Professional Development Phase (U16–21). This is an opportunity to sit at the heart of the academy, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly so players and staff can focus on performance, development and progression toward senior football.

Working across football, performance, education and player care, you’ll lead the planning and coordination of the programme, ensuring every detail, from training schedules to international travel, is delivered to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities:

•      Lead the planning and coordination of the U16–21 football programme across weekly, monthly and seasonal cycles
•      Oversee player schedules across training, matches, education, performance support and international duty
•      Deliver all matchday and competition operations, including domestic and international fixtures
•      Manage team travel, accommodation and logistics, ensuring smooth and compliant delivery
•      Act as the lead operational contact on matchdays, resolving challenges in a calm and effective way
•      Maintain accurate squad, fixture and programme data across relevant systems
•      Coordinate international call-ups, including preparation and return-to-club processes
•      Support tours, camps and tournaments, both in the UK and internationally
•      Ensure all activity is delivered in line with Premier League, EFL, UEFA and safeguarding standards
•      Work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure alignment across football, performance and player care

Experience & Skills:

•      Proven experience in team or football operations within an elite or professional player development environment
•      Strong organisational and planning skills, with experience managing complex, multi-team schedules
•      Experience coordinating travel, logistics or international tours
•      Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage players, staff and external stakeholders
•      Ability to make clear, effective decisions in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
•      High levels of professionalism, discretion and emotional intelligence
•      Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
•      Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and compliance
•      Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and travel as required
•      Full UK driving licence and willingness to complete an Enhanced DBS check

Our Expectations:

• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.