Head of Sports Operations and Infrastructure Strategy

Lead Strategy & Infrastructure

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

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.