General Manager AFLW

The GIANTS are on an exciting journey both on and off the field. With teams in the AFL, the AFL Women's League and Super Netball competitions, the GIANTS truly are a club like no other.

On field, the AFL team has quickly grown into one of the competition's most exciting teams with several players becoming household names across the country. Likewise, the on-field achievements of our AFL Women's and GIANTS Netball teams are seeing the club connect with more fans and followers than ever before.

Off field, the club's exciting, innovative, and fresh brand is growing as it engages with members, fans, the community and key stakeholders across Western Sydney, Canberra and Nationally.

The GIANTS' AFL and AFL Women's teams are based at the club's elite training and administration facility in Sydney Olympic Park, with GIANTS Netball based adjacent at Netball Central.

At the heart of our brand, there's a GIANT in all of us, is the belief that everyone is a GIANT and by living our values and commitments we will deliver on our purpose – To create a club like no other that delivers the best family entertainment, wins premierships and enriches the lives of people in Western Sydney, Canberra and broader communities.

Overview of Role

The General Manager AFLW & Football Operations at GIANTS oversees the comprehensive football strategy for the AFLW team, encompassing operational planning, player development, sports science, recruitment, welfare and list management. This role is pivotal in achieving strategic objectives such as playing entertaining football, reaching finals, and winning premierships as outlined in the club's annual business plans and budget.

In addition to leading the AFLW program, this role has responsibilities in respect of the AFL program, including overseeing the welfare department, operations and analysts.

The General Manager AFLW & Football Operations supports coaches, the medical team, and the high performance unit across both the men's and women's programs, fostering a cohesive approach to achieving high-performance outcomes.

This role must oversee and facilitate effective communication between football operations and other departments within the club, and plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction, leadership initiatives and overall development of the GIANTS.

Responsibilities

Women's football strategy:

• Draft and delivery of the GIANTS women's strategy including recruitment of key staff, list management, budget, development pathways and facilities plan with relevant GIANTS staff.
• Develop the GIANTS AFLW procedures and policies that comply with all AFLW rules and regulations.

Football Operations & Administration:

• Ensure that all team management and general administrative duties are completed for all programs, meeting required compliance standards and best practice
• Develop procedures and structures with Coaching Staff to ensure smooth operation of timetable
• Oversee the efficient and smooth running of all elements of the AFL & AFLW program and match day operations
• Work closely with medical staff to ensure the playing group are provided with appropriate medical, strength & conditioning and psychology advice, guidance and care.
• Attract, employ and manage appropriate talent to deliver high performance in each area
• Assist with Facility management and security as required
• Manage football personnel involvement in community/marketing/membership/sponsorship events as requested.
• Point of contact for other departments regarding AFL & AFLW operations
• Meet with broader football personnel on a weekly basis regarding operational matters within the Football Department
• As and when required develop and manage pre-season programs taking into account interstate players and staff relocating
• Manage contractor agreements/payments
• Collate information and prepare case for AFL and AFLW tribunal hearings if requested
• Budget forecasting and maintenance for AFLW Program and required AFLM departments
• Collate and prepare player movement reports with Men's medical team
• Ensure the effective leadership and management of personnel, employed and volunteers, with the AFLW & AFL programs.
• Order of apparel and equipment
• Complete WH&S venue checklists
• Spokesperson for AFLW & VFLW

Operational and Strategic Management:

• In conjunction with the Talent Manager and Head Coach, lead the build of the AFLW playing lists.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of the AFL and AFLPA rules and regulations including the requirements of players Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the impact oft he management of the Football Department.
• Oversee the Club's talent identification and recruitment procedures in conjunction with the List Manager ensuring adherences to policies and procedures.

Reporting, Compliance & Budget:

• Ensure a culture of compliance and governance is upheld and meets all requirements as set out by the GIANTS Integrity Committee and AFL Policy & Procedures.
• Manage the Programs expenses within the approved budget
• Working closely with the EGM Finance and EGM Football, develop, implement and manage the Total Player Payments (TPP) salary cap structure ensuring all player negotiations comply with the TPP requirements and additional services regulations
• Manage the communication and reporting process within the football department ensuring an efficiently operated department.
• Manage the communication and reporting procedures for player Development/Welfare/Support services.
• Lead a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring regular reviews of practices and processes, making recommendations for improvements.
• Provide Women's Football updates for inclusion in executive meetings and board papers, providing updates for progress, risk concerns and recommendations for improvements and changes.

Skills and Knowledge

• Degree in Sports Management or similar. Post graduate preferred
• A strong personal brand, including ability to display integrity and a commitment to professionalism and accountability
• A commitment to learning and development - willingness to assist and build a continuous improvement culture
• Ability to display a high level of discretion, judgement and personal commitment
• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast paced environment
• Current knowledge of and experience in AFL or similar elite sport
• 5+ years experience in working with elite athletes, female athletes
• High level of oral and written communication skills and ability to influence and negotiate with others to achieve priorities
• Flexibility and responsiveness to change in direction and priorities as required
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to represent the GIANTS to key stake holders
• Proven leadership capability/experience
• Comfortable to be a team player and work autonomously
• Valid Working with Children Check

Desirable:

• An understanding of the AFL/AFLW player rules and regulations.
• Understanding of the requirements of the current game of AFL administration.

The GIANTS are proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a flexible and safe working environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant because of race, colour, national origin, sex, gender, disability, religion, marital status, parental status, nor any other protected personal characteristic