POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Football Manager
Status: Full-time contract (2 years)
Reports: To Chief Executive Officer
Our Mission:
To enhance the reputation of our community by developing excellence in people through sport.
Areas of Focus:
There are four key areas of focus that guide the planning, management and operation of the football club:
1. Football in the region
2. Communication with all levels of government
3. Financial sustainability
4. Our community
Position Purpose and Objectives
The key purpose of the position is to manage the club’s football operations in conjunction with the Senior Coach, and the strategic elements of the football program. In line with the club’s strategic plan, the Football Manager is responsible for the coordination and management of all off-field football activities at the Werribee Football Club. The position must maintain the highest level of support and ensure the structure and resources are at a level to allow the Werribee Tigers to compete and perform to a State league standard. The role of player welfare and development is a priority, ensuring that players are employed or engaged in study and/or traineeship programs. The position must ensure that the Werribee Football Club has an ongoing positive relationship with our AFL Partner – North Melbourne Football Club. In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, the Football Manager will play a integral role in the onfield success of the Werribee Football Club through:
1. The successful planning and delivery of all aspects of the football department including operations, medical, player recruitment and retention, compliance, welfare, sports science and more.
2. Maintaining a positive relationship with our AFL partner, the North Melbourne Football Club.
3. Establishment of sound work practices and effective communication between all areas of the football department and the remainder of WFC.
4. Strict budgetary control
Key Relationships
Reports To:
- Chief Executive Officer Direct
Management of:
- Medical staff including doctor, physiotherapists, trainers
- Statisticians
- Strength and conditioning team
- Welfare Manager
- Recruiting team
Other Stakeholders - Internal:
- Werribee Football Club Board
- Chief Executive Officer
- Football Committee
- Football club staff
- Media Manager
Other Stakeholders - External:
- VFL
- AFL Victoria
- North Melbourne Football Club
- Wyndham City Council
- TAC Cup clubs in particular Geelong Falcons
- Media outlets
- Local and regional clubs and leagues
- Community partners
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. FOOTBALL STRATEGY
a. In consultation with the Senior Coach, CEO and appropriate staff, develop and manage the short and longer-term football aspirations of the club.
b. Coordinate all Football Department sub-committee meetings.
c. Attend and contribute to all WFC match committee meetings.
2. OPERATIONS
a. Assist in all aspects of training setup, including associated match-day preparation and logistics.
b. Attend all practice, home and away and finals matches.
c. Ensure there are adequate staff rostered on for each match day.
d. Manage the timely distribution of information for all players and staff.
e. Ensure all player medical and insurance lodgements are completed in a timely manner.
3. HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE
a. Together with the Senior Coach and football staff, initiate, manage and lead programs to ensure WFC drives continuous improvement and achieves ultimate on-field success.
b. Establish and manage clear cultural guidelines and programs, consistent with club values, which all football staff and players fully understand and adhere to.
c. Coordinate liaison between NMFC key staff including – Coaching, Recruitment, Medical, Strength & Conditioning
4. ADMINISTRATION
a. Oversee and manage staff appointments – full time, part time and contractors – to deliver on coaching, fitness, welfare and medical functions.
b. Conduct annual performance reviews of relevant staff.
c. Ensure that position descriptions are reviewed annually and, if necessary, adjusted in line with actual duties.
d. Develop and regularly review appropriate policies and ensure that all football staff adhere to these
e. Ensure all employment and HR documentation is current and appropriate policies are enacted.
5. COMPLIANCE
a. Work with the CEO to manage the salary cap structure ensuring all player negotiations comply with VFL rules.
b. Lead a culture of continuous improvement and ensure regular reviews of all practices and processes and make recommendations for improvement.
c. Establish and maintain a thorough knowledge of VFL rules and regulations with specific emphasis on administrative and operational issues relating to induction, training and match day.
d. Attend all monthly Board meetings and provide a written report focusing on progress, risk concerns and recommendations for improvements and changes.
6. LIST MANAGEMENT
a. Work with the Senior Coach to identify appropriate talent to ensure continual on-field success.
b. Assist the Senior Coach during player negotiations and preparation of contracts
c. Negotiate all player transfers and clearances and player registrations in accordance with VFL rules.
d. Oversee the WFC recruitment network.
e. Oversee and assist in player employment, housing and general living arrangements for all players.
7. PROMOTION
a. Attend all games and designated club functions and engage in networking activities that will enhance the club’s profile and build community engagement.
b. Work with the Media Manager to ensure the WFC has an active presence within local, mainstream and social media.
c. Maintain a positive relationship with our AFL partner, the North Melbourne Football Club.
d. Nurture a positive relationship with our TAC Cup partner, the Geelong Falcons.
e. Establish and maintain good rapport with local and regional clubs and leagues.
8. FINANCE
a. Prepare the Football Department budget for approval, in line with budget guidelines.
b. Manage the Football Department budget within the approved annual budget.
c. Implement a cost-control strategy to optimise high-cost areas.
d. Formulate remuneration packages and contracts for players and coaches and ensure the contracts are executed accordingly.
e. Ensure all contracts fall within the allocated budget and guidelines.
f. Ensure all players and relevant staff receive their appropriate entitlements.
Accountability:
- The incumbent’s actions always take into account the Werribee Football Club’s policies, contracts, service agreements, and budgets.
- The incumbent has input into the club’s strategy development.
- The incumbent will report regularly to the CEO on the performance of the department.
Skills Required:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and coordination skills.
- Ability to effectively and confidently present and promote ideas and plans to senior management and the Board.
- Excellent knowledge and/or experience of football operations at a Tier 1 or 2 football club or equivalent.
- Ability to negotiate effectively.
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with internal and external stakeholders.
Hours of Work:
- An agreed flexible working arrangement will be negotiated with the CEO and will be dependent on agreed expectations and deadlines to be achieved. Some duties are required to be performed outside normal working hours e.g. match days, attending official functions, meetings, training nights. etc.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Experience in a football management/operations role.
- Proven leadership capability.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Understanding of, and expertise in, modern Australian Rules football.
- Well-developed PC skills including the effective use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Controlled in a pressured environment, calm and measured when dealing with crisis situations.
- Demonstrated organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Capacity to promote and deliver a high performance culture.
- Strategic in thinking and practice.
Applications will close on 29th March, enquiries / applications please forward to mpenaluna@werribeefc.com.au
