Job Description
Sussex FA are seeking to appoint an exceptional senior leader as our first Head of Operations. This is a significant strategic hire that will shape the future of our organisation, joining us at an exciting point of growth and ambition.
The role has been created as part of our planned restructure, moving from eight departments to two, and marks the establishment of a formal Senior Leadership Team.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Operations will hold strategic accountability across all operational functions, including digital systems, governance, financial management, people and culture, and stakeholder experience.
The successful applicant will report directly to the Chief Executive and will act as a trusted senior leader within the organisation. The postholder will directly line-manage the Facility Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager, Finance Manager and Safeguarding Manager.
Sussex FA is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk, and anyone working with us will be required to follow our safeguarding policies.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.
What can we offer?
• An exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking, progressive organisation at a pivotal moment
• A senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence and direct impact on the future direction of Sussex FA
• A chance to work with key stakeholders across the grassroots and professional game
• A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
• A Workplace Pension Scheme
• A Personal Accident policy
• Additional leave after 5 and 10 years' service
• Flexible working hours
• Long Service Awards for 10, 15 and 20 years' service
• Health Scheme
• Multi-Faith Prayer Room available
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to FA Cup Final and England tickets at Wembley
• Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
• Personal Development Budgets
• Free Nike Staff Uniform every year
The role is full-time, permanent, based at the GoCardless Stadium, Culver Road, Lancing. Flexible working arrangements can be considered.
The salary range for the position is £38,000 to £42,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Either email your completed application to Jodi.Hall@SussexFA.com or post it to the following address:
Strictly Private & Confidential
Jodi Hall
Head of Operations Vacancy
Sussex County FA
Culver Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9AX
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 8th June 2026, with interviews week commencing Monday 22nd June 2026.
Disability Confident
Sussex FA pride ourselves on being an employer committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Equality Statement
Sussex FA believe that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. We are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.
If any questions arise about the role or clarity is required on the recruitment pack, please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Tom Lyons:
Tom Lyons
T: 01903 753547
E: Thomas.Lyons@SussexFA.com
Careers at The Football Association
The Football Association are the governing body of football in Engand. The FA are responsible for ensuring that all the leagues within the country are fair and uphold specific standards. They are also responsible for overseeing, promoting and developing English football at all levels, including youth grassroots amateur and semi-pro leagues, as well as elite professional leagues.
The FA was established on 26 October 1863 as the British Football Association, before changing its name to The English FA in December 1910. Currently the Football Association is responsible for all legalities involving football played in England and it's also considered as their national governing body which is based in London, UK. The main responsibility of this organization is to run all leagues as well as provide support with coaching and facilities so they can help grow the game at all levels.
The FA are based out of Wembley Stadium and St George's Park
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is the largest stadium in the UK, and with a capacity of over 90,000 is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. It is the playing venue of the English national team and also hosts such notable games as the League Cup final, FA Cup final, and Community Shield.
The current stadium was officially opened in 2007, replacing the original 1923-built Wembley Stadium which stood on the same site.
St George's Park
St. George’s Park, The FA's National Football Centre, is located in Burton-on-Trent and is an education and research centre giving future generations of English football coaches the fundamentals they need to effectively coach in their communities.
The £105m St George's Park, an impressive 330-acre facility, has 11 outdoor pitches, including an exact replica of the pitch at Wembley Stadium, as well as an altitude chamber that allows them to mimic playing conditions in different stadia around the world.