The Job

We’re excited to offer a unique opportunity for a strategic and dynamic operational leader to join our team as the General Manager - Football Education, Australia.

In this pivotal role, you will report to the Director of Commercial & Marketing (Australia) and collaborate closely with the Director of Pay to Play (City Football Group) to lead the strategic and operational delivery of our flagship Football Education programs nationwide.

We’re seeking an analytical, commercially minded leader with a proven track record in managing complex, multi-site programs. You’ll bring a strong background in driving growth and innovation, ideally within the education or sports sectors.

This role is central to shaping the future of football education in Australia. You will ensure operational excellence, deliver outstanding participant experiences, and drive sustainable growth across all programs.

Who are we?

City Football Group is the world's leading private owner and operator of football clubs – with 13 football clubs across five continents within the CFG family.
 Established in May 2013, the CFG approach ensures that every club remains authentic to its fans and community, plays entertaining football and benefits from being part of a global organisation that applies the world's best expertise on and off the pitch.

CFG pioneers and delivers a consistent underlying approach to talent development, fan experiences, sports entertainment, commercial opportunities and community impact.
 
More than one billion followers worldwide support and connect with their CFG clubs.

Football Education is one of the fastest-growing functions within CFG, with a direct-to-consumer (Pay to Play) presence in five countries worldwide. Following significant growth over the past two years — and with ambitious plans — we’re now seeking an inspiring leader to drive the next phase of our expansion in Australia.

If selected, you will gain unique access to internal pathways locally and globally through CFG.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Drive revenue growth to achieve the goal of doubling program revenue by FY2028.
• Monitor program performance and implement data-driven improvements to existing programs.
• Identify new opportunities for sustainable program growth across Australia.
• Build partnerships with clubs, schools, institutions, and organisations to expand reach.
• Develop and execute annual marketing plans across the programs, collaborating with the marketing department.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the design and delivery of consistent, high-quality football education programs.
• Manage day-to-day operations across all locations for seamless execution.
• Coordinate logistics, including venues, resources, and schedules.
• Champion a customer-first approach across all touchpoints.

People Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across multiple sites.
• Foster a collaborative, excellence-driven team culture.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as the main contact for key stakeholders and partners.

Skills & Experience We Are Looking For

• Proven experience in people leadership, ideally within the education or sports industries.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of achieving revenue growth targets.
• In-depth understanding of financial processes, including P&L management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations across multiple programmes and locations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels in a matrix environment.
• Understanding of marketing principles and approaches to deliver program growth.
• Collaborative, highly organised, ambitious and adaptable with a passion for innovation & growth.
• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and composure.
• Passion for football and/or education highly regarded.
• Ability to work out of office hours, on weekends and travel, where required.

Essential Requirements

• Work rights in Australia.
• Current Victorian Working With Children Check.
• National Police Check.

In return, we provide you with:

• The opportunity to be part of a company that fosters a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants.
• The chance to join a global sporting network.
• Great staff incentives, including deals and discounts with corporate sponsors.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program.
• Club staff events.
• Club kit and memberships.