About the BFNL
The Ballarat Football Netball League is one of Victoria's leading regional sporting competitions, delivering high-quality football and netball programs that foster participation, excellence, inclusion, and community connection.
About the Role
The BFNL is seeking an experienced and highly organised Football Operations Manager to lead the administration, delivery, and ongoing development of football competitions across the League.
Reporting to the General Manager and BFNL Board, this leadership position is responsible for competition management, governance and compliance, stakeholder engagement, representative football programs, and supporting the continued growth of football throughout the League.
The role also provides leadership and support to the Female Football Coordinator and oversees the planning and delivery of Senior and Junior Interleague programs.
Working closely with clubs, AFL Victoria, umpires, councils, and key stakeholders, the Football Operations Manager plays a vital role in ensuring football competitions are delivered professionally, fairly, and in line with League objectives.
This position requires flexibility, including occasional evening and weekend work to attend meetings, competitions, representative programs, and League events.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and administer all BFNL football competitions and fixtures.
- Coordinate player registrations, transfers, clearances, and compliance requirements.
- Maintain, review, and enforce League by-laws, regulations, and competition policies.
- Lead the administration of the BFNL By-Laws Committee.
- Act as the primary point of contact for Club Football Coordinators and football stakeholders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clubs, AFL Victoria, umpires, councils, and key stakeholders.
- Oversee match-day competition operations and compliance requirements.
- Provide leadership and support to the Female Football Coordinator.
- Support the growth and development of female football competitions.
- Manage Senior and Junior Interleague football programs, including coach appointments, logistics, communications, and compliance.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for the General Manager and BFNL Board.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve football operations, governance, and competition delivery.
About You
Essential Skills and Experience
- Strong understanding of local football competition structures and operations.
- Experience in sports administration, competition management, fixture scheduling, or a similar role.
- Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, governance frameworks, and by-laws.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
- Strong organisational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working within football league administration.
- Knowledge of PlayHQ or similar sports management systems.
- Experience supporting or developing female football programs.
- Experience managing representative football or interleague programs.
- Experience in governance, policy development, or committee administration.
What We Offer
- A leadership role within one of Victoria's premier regional football leagues.
- The opportunity to influence the future direction of football across the region.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Flexible working arrangements where appropriate.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on community football.
Key Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Leadership and initiative
- Strategic and analytical thinking
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Sound judgement and decision-making
- Exceptional organisation and attention to detail
- The ability to build positive relationships across a diverse stakeholder group
