Head of Operations – Stadium

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London. We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

The role of the Head of Operations - Stadium

Head of Stadium Operations is a key function at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The role is operationally responsible to ensure that the Stadium facilities and operational resource meets the demands of a Matchday, non-matchday and Conference & Events schedule.

This role will be responsible for the management, planning and resourcing of the stadium Operations team working in partnership with other departments (functional areas) and other key stakeholders.

This role involves working to a stadium schedule which may include early mornings, late evenings and weekends as events may demand.

Main Accountabilities

• To lead and plan all events – matchday, non-matchday and C&E events within the stadium.
• To manage and develop the Stadium Operations team.
• Regular reviews, planning of calendar events and identifying maintenance windows for facilities and other stakeholders to maintain the site.
• Ensure that the site is welcoming, clean and fit for purpose to operate on a day-to-day basis, both internally and externally.
• To ensure that all safety, security elements of any event is fully scheduled and delivered on time within budget.
• To be main point of contact for the broadcasters’ site visits, pre-rig days and on broadcast days.
• Identify and delegate all pre, during and post-match operational tasks, are allocated and actioned.
• Assist with budget management, operational spend and regular reporting to the “Head of Operations and Facilities”.
• Plan and deliver activations at the Stadium, whether Press conference scheduling, Carparking requests, Media scheduling, Sponsors, partners, and other community/ corporate events.
• Provide insight around all new technology, branding and enhanced projects being identified and delivered in the stadium.
• Co-ordinate, assist and direct the use of the Stadium with the Commercial department sales/ leads for the use of pitch and associated spaces and/or scheduling of special events.
• Liaise with Local Authority, the FA, the Premier League, and other regulatory stakeholders as required for using the stadium to facilitate events.
• Assist with any Capex upgrade projects as directed/relevant to the stadium needs.
• Liaise with the local estate community and other stakeholders and keep updated on events and activity.
• Undertake such other duties appropriate to the level and character of work as may reasonably be required. Significant permanent changes in duties will require agreed revisions to be made to this Job Description.
• To work with the Safeguarding Team to promote safe working practice within your department and those you manage
• To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels
• To consult with the Head of Safeguarding in the planning and review of new initiatives and whenever there are possible safeguarding concerns related to the stadium

General Club Accountabilities

• To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR)
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
• To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements
• To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
• To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel
• To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times
• To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes and the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes
• To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct

Person Specification – Essential Personal Characteristics

• Candidate must align with Brentford FC values and culture.
• Have a proven track record in managing and delivering successful operational events.
• Ability to be able to communicate complex operational solutions in a simple manner to all stakeholders.
• Be able to handle pressured environments and events in a calm and controlled manner.
• Show a demonstrable knowledge of proactive maintenance regimes and process management activities.
• Define core SLA’s in conjunction with the business requirements making sure that they are reported on, and targets met.

Person Specification – Desirable Characteristics

• The candidate will have excellent communication skills both on the phone and in person.
• A highly motivated individual, the candidate will possess good time management skills.
• Ability to work on one’s own and as part of a team.
• Must demonstrate the highest professional standards of operation and service.
• Must be “customer focused” and with an understanding of “client” requirements and orientation towards service of others.
• Must demonstrate a thorough approach to work, and able to organise him/herself and others effectively.
• Must be an effective team member, with sufficient flexibility and willingness to take on roles outside his/her normal functional responsibility when required.
• IOSH qualification – minimum.
• Must have a focused and thorough problem-solving ability especially when working in a highly pressurised environment.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.