Chief Operations Officer (Ref: 191233)

Forsyth Barnes is proud to be retained exclusively by Lincoln City Football Club to appoint their new Chief Operations Officer, a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the club’s growth and Championship ambition.

The Chief Operations Officer is a key leadership position responsible for the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of all operational functions across Lincoln City Football Club. This role spans facilities management, including all offices, health & safety, matchday and non-matchday events, security, catering and cleaning contracts, sustainability initiatives, and wider business support services.

The chosen individual will ensure that the club’s venues and services are maintained to the highest standard, regulatory compliance is upheld, and that operational planning underpins day-to-day excellence and long-term strategic growth. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the role drives operational efficiency, resilience, and outstanding experiences for supporters, players, staff, and visitors.

Compliance & Safety

·       Working very closely with our Safety Officer for matchday focus, ensure full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements including safety certification, health & safety legislation, building control, and licensing.

·       Act as lead liaison with the Safety Advisory Group, local authority, emergency services, and other regulatory bodies.

·       Oversee club-wide risk management processes, including audits, inspections, and incident reporting.

·       Lead the development and testing of emergency, contingency, and business continuity plans.

Facilities & Maintenance

·       Manage all facilities across the LNER Stadium, including Club and Foundation offices, including planned and reactive maintenance, asset management, and capital improvement projects.

·       Lead the Facilities & Maintenance team, ensuring effective scheduling, performance, and professional development.

·       Develop long-term facilities planning to align with strategic growth and sustainability objectives.

Events & Matchday Operations

·       Oversee the planning and delivery of all matchdays, concerts, conferences, and external events.

·       Coordinate stewarding, security, catering, cleaning, ticketing, and fan services to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.

·       Drive continuous improvement in crowd management, visitor flow, accessibility, and customer service.

Office Management

·       Opening and Closing Procedures: Oversee daily opening and closing routines, ensuring the office is ready for staff and secure at the end of the day.

·       Workspace Readiness: Ensure all workstations, meeting rooms, and communal areas are clean, stocked, and functional each day.

·       Office Supplies Management: Monitor stock levels of essential supplies (e.g., stationery, kitchen items), place timely orders, and manage deliveries.

·       Mail and Courier Handling: Manage incoming and outgoing mail and packages, ensuring timely distribution and dispatch.

·       Meeting Room Coordination: Maintain booking systems, prepare rooms for meetings, and ensure equipment (e.g., projectors, conferencing tools) is operational.

·       Visitor Reception: Manage visitor processes, including sign-in procedures, and ensure a professional front-of-house experience.

Contracts & Service Delivery

·       Lead procurement and management of operational service contracts (e.g., security, catering, cleaning, waste management, utilities).

·       Negotiate service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure value for money, performance quality, and sustainability outcomes.

·       Monitor contractor delivery, taking corrective action where required.

Sustainability & Innovation

·       Integrate sustainable practices across all operations, from energy use and waste management to procurement and event planning.

·       Support the club’s Innovation Lab and sustainability strategy through practical operational initiatives and pilot projects.

People & Development

·       Mentor apprentices, volunteers, and junior staff within operations, creating structured development opportunities.

·       Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the operations team.

·       Ensure staff and volunteers are fully trained in safety, compliance, and customer service standards.

Essential

·       Proven experience in operations leadership within sport, entertainment, leisure, or a comparable sector.

·       Strong knowledge of compliance, health & safety, licensing, and facilities management.

·       Demonstrable experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.

·       Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

·       Very high professional standards, with the skill and experience to drive high standards throughout the organisation.

·       Track record of managing cross-functional teams and delivering large-scale events.

Desirable

·       Previous experience in a football or sports club environment.

·       Familiarity with volunteer management and community engagement.

·       Qualifications in health & safety, facilities management, or related disciplines.

·       Knowledge of sustainability frameworks and operational innovation.

Key Objectives

·       Deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across all club facilities and events.

·       Maintain full compliance with statutory requirements and embed strong risk management across the Club and Foundation.

·       Lead the integration of sustainability principles into daily operations.

·       Build and develop a high-performing operations team that drives excellence and innovation.

·       Ensure the club’s facilities and operations underpin its long-term growth and Championship ambition.