Football operations manager
Club secretary, football administrator, team operations manager
Football operations managers handle the administration that keeps a club running: registrations, travel, contracts and league rules.
Average salary (a year)
£28,000£55,000
StarterExperienced
Starter £28,000 to experienced £55,000
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 45plus match days
You could work
evenings and weekendsoccasionally
How to become a football operations manager
You can get into this job through:
University
You can do a degree in a relevant subject.
A degree in sport management, business or law can help, but it isn’t always needed.
Courses, badges and licences
Football’s governing bodies run courses that are recognised across the game.
Courses in football administration from the leagues and the FA, or a sport management qualification, are useful.
Applying directly
You may be able to apply directly to clubs and organisations.
Many people start in an administrator or assistant role at a club and work their way up.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- excellent organisation and administration skills
- knowledge of football rules and registration systems
- attention to detail and accuracy
- the ability to deal with many people and deadlines at once
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- register players and staff with the leagues and FA
- organise travel and hotels for away matches
- prepare contracts and transfer paperwork
- make sure the club follows competition rules
- organise match-day arrangements with officials and opponents
Working environment
You’ll work mainly in an office at the training ground or stadium, and attend matches.
Career path and progression
You could become head of football operations, club secretary at a higher level or a director of football operations.
Current opportunities
2 live football operations manager jobs on Softfootball right now.
-
Women’s Team Operations and Administration Assistant
posted 1 week ago, Apply to AFC Bournemouth
-
Visitor Attractions Commercial Operations Manager
posted 1 week ago, Apply to Manchester City
Get ready
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Salaries and hours are typical figures for the UK and vary by club, league, location and experience. Last updated November 14, 2026.