Red Roses Operations Manager

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for a Red Roses Operations Manager to join our Professional Rugby team.

Job Title : Red Roses Operations Manager
Department : Professional Rugby
Reports to : Performance Rugby Operations Director
Salary Banding : c. £50,000 
Job Level : Implement
Location : This role is contractually based at Allianz Stadium, offering some flexibility to work from home. 
Travel Requirements: Some travel as required. 
Employment Type : Permanent
Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week

Application Information:

• Please submit a CV. Due to the nature of this role and the environment in which the team operates, it's important for us to know your work history so please do not anonymise your application documents. You do not need to submit a cover letter. 
• The closing date for applications 25th August 2026 at 12:00 noon

The Role:

We are looking for a Red Roses Operations Manager to join our Professional Rugby team to be responsible for the management and delivery of all team operations and off-field support required for the Women’s senior team, both in the UK and internationally. In this role, you will support a high-performance squad environment, and will seek to continue to drive the women’s programme forward.

Reporting into the Performance Rugby Operations Director, you will be a key member of the staff team, ensuring that an efficient, professional and coordinated approach is implemented to the women’s programme.

You will build strong and effective relationships with players, staff, suppliers and external stakeholders to support and develop the delivery of a world class professional programme.

Responsibilities: 

Day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Training Camps & Competitions :

• Travelling with the squad and acting as Team Manager at all training camps, competitions and tours. 
• Planning and delivery of all training facilities, transport, logistics, meals and accommodation required for training camps, competition camps and match days.  (This will require travel and extended periods of time away with the team).
• Lead on the planning of detailed daily schedules, which include training, medical clinics, meetings, commercial, media, travel and social activities.
• Develop and manage the team budget, including raising purchase orders, and liaising with suppliers to process invoices.
• Co-ordinate and manage equipment lists including, packing and transportation of all kit as required (training, medical, analysis etc.) 
• Match Day responsibilities including; preparation of team Match Day Run Sheets, submission of team roster sheets, preparation and distribution of playing kit, changing room preparation, managing game time substitutions, lead on any post-match function requirements.
• Facilitate end of competition reviews, plus track and monitor actions.
• Ensure all competition regulation, medical protocols and any updated laws are distributed to relevant personnel ahead of competitions.
• Liaise with Tournament organisers, Host unions, sponsors, venues, suppliers and internal stakeholders regarding all bookings and agreements.
• Management of volunteers within the programme as appropriate. 
• Ensure adherence with RFU & World Rugby Policies & Regulations

Other :

• Support the Head of Women’s Performance and England Women’s Head Coach to manage the annual playing programmes to facilitate optimal player development and performance.
• Work closely with partners and suppliers to manage, order and distribute match kit, casual wear and formal wear for all players and staff 
• Database and systems administration e.g. Rugby squad and EliteHub 
• Plan and manage inductions for any new players into the squad
• Work closely with commercial team to manage player appearance requests and logistics. 
• Administration support as required, including:
  • Track and manage player attendance at camps
  • Management and distribution of player and staff contact databases 
  • Support for senior performance staff 
  • Processing player expenses 
• Act as a point of contact for any players and/or staff queries
• Lead staff and team meetings including timings, agenda and follow up actions.
• Assist other Team Operations Managers at peak periods during the season.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the strategic, business and operational plans of the RFU
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU at all times, including the promotion of the RFU Core Values
• Undertake such other duties as maybe required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the RFU

As an RFU employee, you will:

• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent 
• Must be able to demonstrate significant experience of working within a project management/ event management role, ideally within elite sport.
• Experience of working in a customer facing role, providing guidance and support. 
• Will have controlled financial budgets and have a good financial awareness. 
• Experience of dealing with organisations such as travel agencies/transportation companies/hotels 
• Must demonstrate an understanding and affiliation with the demands of elite sport, and international rugby teams/players. 
• Must have a good knowledge of the structure and operation of Rugby Union in England, and the local sporting landscape in England.
• Must demonstrate a “can do” proactive attitude and be able to provide solutions to problems or issues. 
• Must be highly effective in administrative planning, logistical support, and strategy implementation and development. 
• Will be an effective communicator and negotiator.
• Will be a good team player, able to develop effective working relationships with peers, players and a wide number of external agencies 
• Must have excellent word processing skills and be competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications - Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Must be adaptable, reliable, and have sufficient flexibility and willingness to take on roles outside their normal functional responsibility when required. 
• Must have the stamina and resilience to manage heavy workloads in a high-pressure environment.
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

Additional Information:

• All role holders must maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosures of confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence.
• The role description, person specification, job level and job title may be subject to change at the discretion of the RFU and under business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate.
• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com. 
• During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.
• This role will require a DBS check.