Job Description
The role will require unsociable hours with regular weekend and evening work. Observers are paid a fixed rate for each matchday observation, inclusive of all necessary planning / debrief meetings and report writing, in addition to any appropriate expenses incurred.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of Safety and Security experts operating in an innovative space for the Premier League.
SSOs hold the employment status of Worker, meaning that they are contracted as individuals and not via Personal Services Companies. For further information, please read the .gov Employment Status pages on Workers
The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its Clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in 900 million homes in 189 countries.
We have a wide variety of responsibilities. These include organising the competition and its Handbook as well as managing the centralised broadcast and commercial rights. The work we do in conjunction with the Clubs also goes far beyond the 90 minutes. We support and provide a framework for youth development, we protect the organisation’s intellectual property, support the wider game and community programmes, undertake international development work and liaise with governing bodies and other leagues.
The Premier League is an equal opportunities employer and strives to create an inclusive culture where talent can flourish. We believe in the potential of everyone and open our doors to those who share those values. All appointments will be made based on merit; however, we particularly encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ people and disabled people.
WHY THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Why Work at The Premier League
The Premier League is not a football club — it is the governing body that oversees the competition, sets the rules and manages the commercial framework for elite English football. Staff here shape how the league is run, broadcast and funded across 189 countries.
With a head office team of approximately 250, staff work directly on competition governance, multi-billion-pound broadcast partnerships, digital products used by millions, and community programmes that reach over 19,400 schools across England and Wales.
Sources: premierleague.com; UK Parliament Written Evidence (SCS0134)
ABOUT
About The Premier League
Founded on 20 February 1992, the Premier League is the organising body of the top tier of English football. It comprises 20 member clubs competing under a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League.
The head office is based in central London, employing staff across football, broadcast, commercial, legal, digital and community functions.
WHAT WE DO
Three Core Pillars
The Premier League’s work spans three areas: governing elite competition, managing global commercial and broadcast partnerships, and investing in communities and the wider football pyramid.
Competition GovernanceRules, regulations, fixtures and the sporting integrity of the top tier of English football across 20 member clubs. |
Broadcast & CommercialGlobal broadcast rights across 189 countries and commercial partnerships. The current domestic TV deal: £6.7bn for 2025–2029. |
Community & DevelopmentCommunity programmes, grassroots facilities and youth development through 161 club community organisations across England and Wales. |
Sources: premierleague.com; UK Parliament Written Evidence (SCS0134)
GLOBAL & ECONOMIC IMPACT
The Impact Behind the Game
The Premier League ecosystem extends well beyond football — into media, technology, hospitality, community development and professional services. The organisation also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion across the game through initiatives including No Room For Racism and partnerships with Stonewall.
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£8bn Annual UK Economic Contribution Gross Value Added to the UK economy each year |
£3.2bn Annual Tax Revenue Generated per season for the UK Exchequer |
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90,000+ Jobs Supported Across the UK Spanning media, hospitality, transport, retail & professional services |
£1.6bn Community & Football Investment Invested in communities, grassroots & the wider game |
Source: UK Parliament Written Evidence — The social impact of participation in culture and sport (SCS0134)
CAREER AREAS
Functions at The Premier League
Most roles at the Premier League are not football roles in the traditional sense. The head office recruits across media, technology, law, finance, policy and community development.
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Football Operations Competition delivery, match officials, club liaison |
Broadcast & Media Global rights management, production, distribution |
Commercial Partnerships, sponsorship, licensing |
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Digital & Technology Digital products, data, platforms |
Communications PR, media relations, marketing |
Legal & Policy Governance, regulation, compliance |
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Community & Youth Development programmes, schools, grassroots |
Finance Financial management, reporting, audit |
Safeguarding Player welfare, protection, compliance |
Sources: premierleague.com/about/careers; LinkedIn — The Premier League
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Programmes That Reach Millions
Premier League Primary Stars is delivered in over 19,400 primary schools across England and Wales. Premier League Kicks has engaged 600,000+ young people through free sessions at 5,000+ venues. A further £495 million has been invested in grassroots facilities through the Football Foundation, funding 702 artificial pitches and over 2,900 grass pitches.
Sources: premierleague.com; UK Parliament Written Evidence (SCS0134)
WORKING HERE
Life at The Premier League
Staff regularly attend Premier League matches, visit club community projects and work directly with the 20 member clubs. The organisation’s size means most roles are cross-functional, and the work stays unusually close to the game itself.
Source: LinkedIn — The Premier League
LOCATION
Headquartered in Central London
The Premier League head office is based at the Brunel Building in Paddington — a modern workspace in one of London’s best-connected locations, minutes from Paddington Station and the Elizabeth Line.
At the Premier League, your work contributes to a global institution watched by millions.