Head of Sports Operations and Infrastructure Management

Lead Strategy & Infrastructure

About Business:

Adani Group: Adani Group is a diversified organisation in India comprising 10 publicly traded companies. It has created a world class logistics and utility infrastructure portfolio that has a pan-India presence. Adani Group is headquartered in Ahmedabad, in the state of Gujarat, India. Over the years, Adani Group has positioned itself to be the market leader in its logistics and energy businesses focusing on large scale infrastructure development in India with O & M practices benchmarked to global standards. With four IG rated businesses, it is the only Infrastructure Investment Grade issuer in India.

Adani Sportsline: Established as a key player in the sports ecosystem, Adani Sportsline is committed to building a sustainable and thriving sports culture in India. Through its diverse portfolio, it supports and nurtures talent across multiple sports. With a vision to elevate Indian sports globally, Adani Sportsline has launched initiatives like Garv Hai to empower athletes and has established successful franchises like the Gujarat Giants. Staying true to the Adani Group's philosophy of "Growth with Goodness," Adani Sportsline is driving community engagement, inclusivity, and excellence in sports through strategic investments and partnerships. 

JOB PURPOSE

This role is responsible for overseeing the operational aspects of the company's sports properties, including Pro Kabaddi, Ultimate Kho Kho, Women's Premier League, and Men's Cricket. This role ensures seamless coordination and stakeholder engagement, supporting the organization's success across various leagues and initiatives.

Head Operations - E2

Operational Strategy and Management:

• Develop comprehensive operational plans that outline key performance indicators, milestones, and deliverables for each sports property.
• Implement a centralized management system to streamline operations, monitor progress, and facilitate communication across different departments.
• Conduct regular operational reviews to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of current strategies, making adjustments as necessary to meet changing demands.
• Collaborate with sports scientists and technology experts to integrate advanced analytics and performance monitoring tools into daily operations.
• Establish a robust framework for crisis management, ensuring that contingency plans are in place for unforeseen events such as weather disruptions or security threats.

Stakeholder and Team Coordination:

• Manage coordination with sports leagues' organizing committees, such as BCCI for cricket and Mashal Sports for kabaddi.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, including legal, finance, and technical teams, for onboarding vendors and managing logistics.
• Build and maintain relationships with coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and other support staff to ensure teams are well-supported.
• Create a structured communication plan to ensure timely and accurate information exchange between the organization and external stakeholders.
• Develop a vendor management system to evaluate and select service providers based on quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Facilitate regular inter-departmental meetings to align operational objectives with the broader goals of the organization.
• Implement a feedback mechanism to gather insights from athletes and support staff, using this information to improve operational practices.
• Organize team-building activities and workshops to enhance collaboration and team spirit among staff members and athletes.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Develop a comprehensive compliance calendar that includes all regulatory deadlines and requirements specific to the sports industry.
• Establish a dedicated compliance team responsible for monitoring changes in laws and regulations that could impact operations.
• Introduce a standardized reporting system for incidents and near-misses, using data to identify trends and prevent future occurrences.
• Collaborate with legal experts to conduct periodic audits of contracts and agreements, ensuring they are up-to-date and in line with current regulations.
• Create an ethical code of conduct for all employees, providing regular training to reinforce the organization's commitment to integrity and fair play.

Infrastructure and Resource Optimization:

• Implement a technology-driven asset management system to track the usage and maintenance of sports facilities and equipment.
• Explore partnerships with technology firms to adopt innovative solutions for energy conservation and sustainability in sports infrastructure.
• Conduct a bi-annual review of resource allocation to ensure that investments are aligned with strategic priorities and yield the best returns.
• Develop a talent management strategy that identifies key skills and competencies required for operational excellence, focusing on continuous learning and development.
• Establish a cross-functional task force to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction without compromising quality or performance.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Conduct regular compliance checks, including anti-corruption and ethics training, to maintain the integrity of sports operations.
• Oversee the insurance and medical arrangements for players, coordinating with international associations and governments as necessary.
• Implement incident response protocols and ensure all operations adhere to legal and ethical standards.
• Enhance the existing compliance framework by incorporating best practices from international sports bodies and benchmarking against industry leaders.
• Develop a comprehensive insurance program tailored to the specific risks associated with each sport, including travel, training, and competition coverage.
• Strengthen the incident response strategy by conducting regular simulations and drills, ensuring that all team members are prepared to act swiftly and effectively.
• Partner with government agencies to stay abreast of changes in health and safety regulations, ensuring that the organization remains compliant and proactive.

People and Team Engagement:

• Participate in the recruitment process to attract and retain skilled personnel for the maintenance team.
• Drive and enhance employee engagement and retention across the team to sustain a positive workplace culture.
• Lead, inspire and mentor the team to foster a high-performance culture and ensure cross skilling through job rotation, technical and behavioral trainings.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal Stakeholders:

• Legal
• Finance
• IT
• Marketing
• Business Unit Heads

External Stakeholders:

• Sports Leagues Organizing Committees
• Government Authorities
• Vendors
• Sports Teams
• Athletes

Educational Qualification:

MBA preferred with a specialization in sports management or a related field.

Work Experience:

Extensive experience in operations management of 12+ years, preferably within the sports industry. Proven track record of successful event planning and execution, with a focus on sports operations.

Preferred Industry:

Prior experience in sports operations, with a deep understanding of the sports ecosystem and experience in liaising with government authorities.

Experience Level

Senior Level