Director, Business Operations – UK & Ireland
The Director, Business Operations - UK & Ireland is a key member of the NFL UK leadership team, responsible for driving operational excellence, delivering strategic business planning, and supporting execution across the region. This role serves as the connective tissue between functional teams and external stakeholders - ensuring consistent execution of the NFL’s objectives to grow fandom, support Global Markets Program clubs, deepen grassroots engagement, and enhance commercial delivery. The role also provides day-to-day leadership of operational processes, internal governance, and cross-functional coordination for the UK and Ireland markets.
This is an exciting new opportunity to take on a leadership role in one of the NFL’s core international business units and work with other NFL staff, NFL stakeholders, NFL partners, and NFL clubs from across the globe.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Business Management & KPIs:
- Track and manage UK & Ireland business KPIs to ensure delivery against growth and operational objectives.
- Support the UK & Ireland GM on the annual business planning process with input from local and global Marketing, Commercial, Finance, and Consumer Products teams.
- Oversee budget development and performance monitoring, in collaboration with Finance.
- Identify business growth opportunities via insights, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
Government, Municipal & Stakeholder Relations:
- Manage relationships with local authorities and government bodies to help further the NFL’s activities in the UK & Ireland.
- Identify partnership and funding opportunities to advance grassroots and community initiatives.
- Support the delivery of game-related economic and social impact reporting to demonstrate the benefit of NFL presence in the UK & Ireland to government stakeholders.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Special Projects:
- Drive cross-team collaboration on projects including the NFL London and Dublin Games, fan engagement initiatives, and media partnerships.
- Lead or contribute to special projects as needed, supporting the General Manager and International leadership.
- Represent NFL UK in planning and coordination with NFL International and other market offices.
Global Markets Program & Club Integration:
- Partner with the GMP lead to coordinate and support NFL clubs with local marketing rights to ensure alignment with NFL objectives and market strategy.
- Support the delivery of club activations across the territory.
- Work with the commercial department to align on best practice for GMP clubs developing local partnerships.
Territory Operations & Administration:
- Institute project management program to ensure operational processes are standardized and efficient, aligned with global best practices.
- Oversee key service providers and suppliers including IT, facilities, logistics, and insurance.
- Manage agency procurement, RFPs, and compliance with NFL vendor policies.
- Support GM with overview of NFL UK & Ireland budget tracking.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years’ experience in operations, corporate strategy, sports/entertainment, or consulting.
- Proven experience managing budgets, cross-functional projects, and external stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of the UK & Ireland business and media landscape, especially in sports.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Strong communication skills, including comfort presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of international sports business operations is a plus.
Other Key Attributes / Characteristics
- Strategic thinker with operational discipline and attention to detail.
- Collaborative leader and relationship builder.
- Adaptable and calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and complex stakeholder landscapes.
- High integrity, professionalism, and a passion for sport and fandom.
Terms / Expected Hours of Work
- Expected travel: ~10% (domestic and international as required).
- Standard working hours are 40 per week, with additional hours as necessary during peak periods (e.g. NFL International Games).
At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.
NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.
The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.
WHO WE ARE:
NFL Core Values:
- Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
- Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
- Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
- Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.
NFL Leadership Attributes:
- Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
- Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
- Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
- Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
- Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
- Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact
WHO YOU ARE:
Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:
- Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude
- Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement
- Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence
- Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition
- Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset
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