Grassroots and Future Blues Operations Manager

Organisation Chelsea Football Club Salary competitive Location Hybrid - Cobham/Remote Contract type Fixed Term (Full time) Closing date 3 December 2025 Job Description JOB TITLE: Grassroots and Future Blues Operations ManagerDEPARTMENT: Academy RecruitmentLOCATION: Hybrid: Cobham/RemoteCONTRACT: Fixed Term until 30/06/2027. 5 out of 7 days - 40 hours a week managed flexibly with the requirement for evening and weekend workJOB FUNCTION: To support the delivery of the Grassroots Plan within the Academy Recruitment Strategy through the management of grassroots scouting resource deployment and processes, and supporting Future Blues delivery.Closing date: 3rd DecemberWe encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.About Us: As a member of the Chelsea team, you will become part of a long and proud history in the heart of iconic west London, which dates back to the club’s founding in 1905. Since that time the club has won every major domestic and international trophy, being crowned English, European and world champions in the process. Chelsea are a club which proudly strives to be the best in everything we do, on and off the pitch, as shown by the further success of our Women’s and Academy sides, as well as the excellent work in the community undertaken by the Chelsea Foundation, while engaging with our many supporters from a wide range of backgrounds at home in the UK and around the world. If you’re motivated and want to help us win more trophies, you’ve got a place here at Chelsea  MAIN RESPONSIBILITIESGrassroots Scouting Operations- Work closely with Grassroots Scouting Coordinators to ensure the scouting workforce is well-connected, well-briefed, and aligned to recruitment strategy- Plan and deliver a structured grassroots meeting calendar, providing regular touchpoints, updates, and alignment across all staff groups- Lead the CPD programme for Grassroots and Future Blues staff, helping to build and maintain an elite, informed workforce.- Collaborate with the Recruitment Team to ensure player recommendations, scout activity, assessment data, and trial outcomes are accurately captured and maintained within Chelsea FC systems.- Support ongoing improvements to workflows, digital tools, and data processes that increase efficiency and clarity across the Talent ID pathway- Contribute to wider grassroots and recruitment projects as required, supporting the strategic evolution of the Academy’s Talent ID approachPlayer Trial Management- Lead the operational management of grassroots player trials, ensuring every trialist receives a structured, supportive, and well-organised experience during their time at Chelsea FC- Oversee the seasonal planning for grassroots trialists, including trial frequency, timing, scheduling windows and group sizes, to maintain alignment between recruitment priorities and age group training programmes- Develop and coordinate individualised trial plans that outline session schedules, and staff responsibilities- Ensure trialists are integrated smoothly into training environments, with appropriate inductions and communication to coaches, support staff, and safeguarding teams- Manage the review and feedback process by scheduling assessments, capturing staff observations, and ensuring consistent, high-quality documentation.- Facilitate clear, timely communication with parents and relevant Academy staff before, during, and after the trial period.- Maintain high standards of care, professionalism, and player welfare throughout the entire trial journey.- Support the decision-making process operationally—while not responsible for player selection—by ensuring decision-makers have accurate, accessible, and well-presented information to evaluate trialists effectively.Future Blues Operations- Oversee the day-to-day operations of all Future Blues Centres, ensuring consistently high-quality delivery, safeguarding compliance, and a positive environment for players and parents- Ensure each Future Blues Centre is attended least twice per month by senior Grassroots staff, providing leadership and support to coaches and acting as an on-site representative of Chelsea FC- Identify development opportunities within the Future Blues model and work with the Grassroots & Partnerships Lead to evolve programme design, structure, and impact- Ensure all Future Blues processes, administration, and record-keeping meet the highest quality and operational standards- Coordinate and administer trials for grassroots players, ensuring information, logistics, and decision-making processes are clearly communicated to Academy staff.- Work with the Recruitment Team to produce regular reports on Future Blues activity, scouting operations, and programme outcomes for recruitment leadershipPERSON SPECIFICATION:Qualifications:- Valid Passport and driving licence- Minimum of FA Level 2 Talent ID Qualification or UEFA B Coaching Licence- Fluent in English Experience and Skills:- Strong understanding of grassroots football in London and the South-East- Experience working or volunteering in grassroots football- Experience leading programmes or projects and building streamlined processes- Highly computer literate in office suite and ability to use in-house systems- Capable of working with high levels of discretion in environments with sensitive information Qualities- Willing to take responsibility and be proactive in solving challenges- Be personable and enthusiastic with a strong work ethic- Organised and Diligent- Confident communicator to a diverse range of stakeholders- Trustworthy and ethical Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you. Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate. This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.