About the Role

The Junior Premier League (JPL) Australia is an exciting new youth football competition to be shortly launched in Australia, designed to provide a high-quality, structured pathway for players aged U9 to U16, both male and female. JPL Australia seeks to elevate grassroots football by focusing on development, inclusivity, and excellence.

The League will operate in co-operation with the JPL in the United Kingdom with representative teams having the opportunity to play in tournaments in a range of countries.

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic League Operations Manager to lead the implementation and growth of The JPL across Australia. This pivotal role will be responsible for recruiting and onboarding teams, managing day-to-day league operations, supporting the sporting director both within Australia and Internationally with academy programs, fostering long-term stakeholder relationships, and growing the competition organically. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the league’s future, ensuring its success, visibility, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Team Recruitment & Onboarding

Proactively identify and recruit youth football clubs and academies across Australia.

Oversee onboarding processes to ensure teams meet league standards.

League Operations Management

Coordinate matchday logistics, scheduling, compliance, and communication with clubs.

Monitor league performance and adherence to competition rules and policies.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with clubs, coaches, parents, local football associations, and sponsors.

Represent The JPL professionally at events, meetings, and forums.

Growth & Development

Develop and execute strategies to organically grow the league across regions and age groups.

Identify new opportunities for expansion and innovation within the competition.

Travel & Representation

Regular interstate and intrastate travel to support league development and attend fixtures.

Occasional international travel to liaise with partner leagues and talent development programs

Provide support to our academy sporting director both within Australia an internationally.

Skills & Qualifications

Proven experience in sports management, football, or league administration.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills – both written and verbal.

Self-starter with a passion for youth development and sport.

Proficient with computers and digital tools (e.g., spreadsheets, scheduling software, CRM platforms).

Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic environment.

Full working rights in Australia.

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel frequently.

Desirable

Previous experience in youth football operations or similar sporting roles.

Understanding of the Australian football landscape.

Experience in event or competition coordination.

Why Join The JPL Australia?

Be at the forefront of transforming youth football in Australia.

Opportunity to shape a national competition from the ground up.

Work with a passionate, forward-thinking team focused on youth development.

Travel, grow, and connect with a vibrant community of clubs, coaches, and players.

Please upload your resume and a covering letter if you wish to apply.