Senior Phase Operations Manager

Join Manchester City at the City Football Academy in Manchester as a Senior Phase Operations Manager on a permanent, full-time basis. You will help create the structure, coordination and operational standards that enable our PDP teams and developing players to thrive, working across the Academy to deliver well-organised, age-appropriate support on and off the pitch.

Who We Are

Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long-term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.

Within the Operations and Development department, you will help coordinate the practical environment around the U16, U17, U18 and U21 teams, supporting colleagues to deliver a consistent and positive experience for players, parents and staff.

The Role

Supporting our Professional Development Phase (PDP) in the Academy, you will be the main operational point of contact, connecting colleagues across the Academy and wider club so that plans are clear, actions are followed through and each team has the support it needs. You will lead the weekly phase meeting, maintain accurate information in Teamworks and help establish effective minimum service levels across phase operations and off-field activity.

You will lead the planning and delivery of arrangements for Academy teams competing in Premier League and EFL competitions, including fixtures, tournaments, pre-season camps and other phase activities. This will involve working with relevant departments, managing the phase budget, coordinating player movements and ensuring compliance with Whereabouts requirements. You will also lead the U16 scholarship validation meeting process, working thoughtfully with the multidisciplinary team, parents and wider stakeholders.

You will line manage and develop the Phase Operations Executive, while building trusted working relationships with staff, players and parents. As an active member of the Academy Operations and Development department, you will also contribute to Academy-wide projects and support tournaments, trips and fixtures across other phases when required.

What You’ll Bring

- Experience working in a football academy environment, with a clear understanding of the operational needs of developing players and teams.

- Proven project or programme management experience, with the ability to organise and deliver operational activity for one or more teams.

- Experience working with multidisciplinary staff teams and building trusted, effective relationships with players, parents and wider stakeholders.

- An understanding of young performers and the practical considerations involved in creating an age-appropriate environment for developing athletes.

- The ability and willingness to work flexibly, including evenings, bank holidays and other irregular hours, and to travel domestically and internationally with teams when required.

- A full, valid UK driving licence, together with clear communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across a changing programme of activity.

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work.

As part of our team, you will receive 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance.

Manchester-based employees also benefit from free on-site parking, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and access to a range of sports and leisure clubs.

You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like it is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your application via our careers site by 8 October 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can.

We work with a select group of agency partners and do not accept unsolicited applications. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be treated as a direct application.

Equal Opportunities

City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview. If you require reasonable adjustments or any support throughout the process, please contact [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

All CFG recruitment communications originate from @cityfootball.com email addresses. If you receive communications from Gmail, Outlook.com or other personal email services claiming to represent CFG, please verify with the hiring team. Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK-based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.