For an elite football operations leader, opportunities like this are rare. This is your chance to be at the forefront of history—building a brand-new club from the ground up and shaping its football identity for decades to come.

The Tasmania Football Club isn’t just another team—it’s a blank canvas, a fresh start, and an opportunity to create something truly special. As General Manager – Football Operations, you will lead the establishment of all football programs, driving the strategy, culture, and high-performance environment that will define Tasmania’s success in the AFL. From launching both men’s and women’s teams to laying the foundations for our VFL and VFLW pathways, your leadership will set the standard for generations to follow.

This is your chance to lead with vision, build for sustained success, and leave an indelible mark on Tasmanian football.

Reports to CEO.

The Role

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the club’s football operations strategy, ensuring alignment with the club’s broader vision and values.
• Football Program Oversight: Manage all aspects of the AFL men’s and women’s football programs, including coaching, high performance, medical, player welfare, and development.
• VFL & VFLW Establishment: Lead the planning and implementation of the club’s VFL and VFLW teams, including recruitment, coaching structures, facilities, and operations.
• List Management & Recruiting: Work closely with the GM of List Management & Recruiting to build competitive AFL and VFL lists, ensuring long-term list strategy and talent pathways are in place.
• Football Operations Management: Oversee key football department functions, including match-day operations, player contracts, compliance with AFL and AFLW regulations, and budgeting.
• Player & Coach Development: Establish best-practice player and coach development programs, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent and continuous improvement within the club.
• Culture & Performance: Drive a high-performance culture across all teams, ensuring elite standards in professionalism, preparation, and team success.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with AFL Tasmania, AFL executives, key partners, and local football pathways to ensure Tasmania becomes a hub for football development.
• Community Connection & Engagement: Ensure the club is deeply embedded in the Tasmanian community by fostering strong relationships with grassroots football clubs, schools, and local organisations.
• Statewide Talent Pathways: Champion the development of Tasmanian talent by strengthening pathways from junior football to elite levels, ensuring local players see a clear future with the club.
• Representing Tasmania’s Football Identity: Embrace and promote the rich history and passion for football in Tasmania, ensuring the club represents the state with pride and fosters a deep sense of belonging among fans.

Who We are Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior football operations role within an elite football environment.
• Deep understanding of AFL/AFLW football structures, list management, and player development pathways.
• Experience in building and managing high-performance teams and cultures.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and drive strategic outcomes.
• Knowledge of VFL and VFLW structures and the ability to establish and integrate second-tier teams effectively.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience in managing football department budgets, TPP and soft cap assurance.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• A deep passion for football and the vision to establish Tasmania as a competitive AFL/AFLW club.
• A genuine commitment to engaging with and immersing in the Tasmanian community, ensuring the club is truly representative of the state’s football passion and identity.

Why the Tasmania Football Club? Why Now?

• Build from a Blank Canvas – No existing structures, no inherited processes—just a rare opportunity to design and implement a world-class football operations program from the ground up. Set the strategy, shape the culture, and build a high-performance environment that defines Tasmania’s football future.
• A Leadership Role That Matters – Your vision and decisions will establish the foundation of Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW teams. This is legacy work—an opportunity to leave an enduring mark on both the club and Australian football history.
• Elite Football Operations from Day One – Work alongside leading football minds to create a best-practice environment for coaching, high performance, player welfare, and talent development—setting the standard for decades to come.
• Establish a Complete Football Pathway – Lead the creation of Tasmania’s VFL and VFLW programs, ensuring a seamless talent pipeline and long-term sustainability for elite Tasmanian football.
• A Club for the State, Connected to Its People – This is more than just a football team; it’s Tasmania’s team. Your leadership will embed the club into the heart of the community, creating deep connections with local football, schools, and emerging talent.
• A Tasmanian Lifestyle – Tasmania offers an unrivalled balance – elite professional sport in an environment where your family can thrive. Whether it’s world-class schools, stunning coastlines, or a relaxed pace of life, Tasmania gives back what football takes.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Applications close Monday, March 31st 2025.