Operations Manager

Football Far North Coast is aiming to appoint an experienced, highly motivated individual to lead the day-to-day administration and delivery of football across the Football Far North Coast region.

Position Overview

The Operations Manager is a new full-time role within Football Far North Coast, created to provide additional professional operational oversight and strengthen FFNC’s capacity to deliver safe, inclusive and high quality football experiences for participants within the region.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a diverse and dynamic environment and is ideally suited to an individual who is highly organised, with exceptional logistical and problem-solving skills.

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Key Responsibilities

The Operations Manager will;

• Lead the planning, scheduling and delivery of all FFNC competitions (non-competitive, junior, senior, women’s, community, and development leagues).

• Oversee competition management systems and ensure accurate, timely and efficient use of data and functionality.

• Coordinate match day requirements including ground allocations and appointments of match officials.

• Help to manage competition rules and communication with clubs regarding updates, changes and

• Support delivery of finals series, gala days, and special events.

• Act as the primary operational contact for all affiliated clubs across the zone.

• Build strong relationships with key club personnel.

• Facilitate the strategies for recruitment, retention and support for local match officials, in conjunction with Northern NSW Football.

• Manage operational communication across email, website, social media, and direct club channels.

• Assist the General Manager with operational budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

• Contribute to FFNC’s strategic planning and long term football development initiatives.

• Lead or support projects such as digital transformation, competition reform, facility planning and participation growth.

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Skills, Experience & Attributes

The Successful applicant will demonstrate;

1. Proven background in managing a sporting organisation or comparable community based organisation.

2. Strong logistical and problem solving and project management skills.

3. Advanced written and verbal communication.

4. Exceptional adherence to detail

5. Sound judgement and an ability to make decisions.

6. Capacity to understand financial, budgetary and administrative needs within a community sporting environment.

7. Ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, clubs, and diverse community groups.

8. Competence with digital systems (competition platforms, spreadsheets, communication tools).

9. Understanding of child safety, inclusion, and community sport values.

10. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during the season.

11. Valid Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain).

12. Valid and current Driver’s Licence

Desirable;

• Experience in football operations or community sport governance.

• Knowledge of competition management systems.

• Experience in budgeting, procurement, or sponsorship activation.

• Experience working in regional or community based environments.

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Working Relationships

• Reports to: General Manager, Football Far North Coast.

• Works closely with: FFNC Administration Assistant, Affiliated Club Committees.

• External stakeholders: Northern New South Wales Football, Football Australia, local councils, schools, sponsors, community partners.

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Employment Conditions

• Employment type: Full time (38 hours per week).

• Work pattern: Flexible; includes evenings and weekends during the football season.

• Location: FFNC office (Goonellabah) and regional football venues.

• Salary: $80,000 - $87,000 (commensurate with experience and FFNC budget parameters).

• Benefits: Professional development opportunities, community focused work environment, flexible working arrangements.

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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);

• High quality delivery of competitions and match operations.

• Strong, positive relationships with clubs and referees.

• Compliance with NSW child safety requirements.

• Effective communication and timely operational updates.

• Growth in participation and improvement in football experience across the zone.

• Positive feedback from clubs, referees, players, and community partners.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should include;

1. A current resume.

2. A cover letter outlining your suitability and addressing the key skills and experience required.

3. Response to the following Targeted Question:

• Provide an example of when you were required to demonstrate skills that were able to deliver practical solutions to a complex problem. What was your approach and what outcome was achieved? (300 words max)

Applications close COB Monday 31 August 2026

For confidential enquiries, please contact Football Far North Coast General Manager, Steve Mackney, at ••••@ffnc.net.au