Senior Operations Officer

JOB TITLE: Senior Operations Officer.

DEPARTMENT: Match Day Safety.

LOCATION: Chelsea Football Club Sites (Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow Stadium).

CONTRACT: Full Time.

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!

JOB FUNCTION:

To ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety and security of everyone attending all events at the Stadium in accordance with the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide), the specific requirements of the Safety Certificate issued by the Local Authority under the Safety of Sports Ground Act 1975 and the Club’s Spectator Safety Policy.

This role is full time and includes weekend and the candidate must be flexible and adaptable to differing seasonal work patterns.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (Play Your Part):

• Assist in the line management of the matchday Stewarding and Security teams, including part-time and casual staff.
• Assist with the planning, implementation and monitoring of all matches and events at bothStamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow Stadium, to ensure the management and operation of those events is fully compliant with national legislation and with the guidelines set down by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).
• Assist with the review of the ‘S’ and ‘P’ safety factor risk assessments for the stadium, recommending adjustments to the relevant risk assessments where applicable.
• Assist with carrying out relevant checks and assessments as required by the SGSA Green Guide, of physical infrastructure relating to matchday operations.
• Assist with the hosting of pre-match briefings and post-match debriefs, the production of associated documents and the review of post-match reports.
• Assist with the building of key relationships and engagement with the Licensing Authority, Safety Advisory Group, Police, Fire and Ambulance Services and any other body in relation to safety at the ground.
• Assist with ensuring the stadium is fit for purpose and fully compliant with all Health & Safety legislation for the staging of all events on the premises, in accordance with the General Safety Certificate.
• Assist with the management of relationships with partner organisations in relation to the organisation and management of all matches and events, to ensure they meet a consistently high standard.
• Assist in the reviewing of operations manuals, polices, procedures and documents relating to matchday operations and security, updating as necessary.
• Advising and assisting as necessary in the provision of appropriate training across the matchday operations and security teams, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.
• Assist in maintaining a comprehensive range of risk assessments which are adjusted and reviewed on a match-by-match basis.
• Maintain and regularly review all Match Day documentation including the Contingency Plans to ensure they meet the current risks.
• Ensure the Match Day Operations Manual contains all the necessary information to meet the requirements of the Safety Certificate.
• Assist in the comprehensive investigation of safety incidents and compile reports for internal parties and statutory authorities as required.
• Ensure Match Day Steward debrief reports are analysed and pertinent formation is documented and utilised in future planning processes.
• Assist in the investigation of customer satisfaction issues and maintain an oversight into steward service delivery standards.
• Assist in the provision and maintenance of Safety Steward Safety Equipment.
• Assist in the recruitment, familiarisation, and induction of all inhouse and Agency Safety Stewards and familiarisation of other Match Day Staff.
• Supervision of the Match Day Safety Operations Officer.

MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE (Here to Win):

• Represent Chelsea FC in a professional manner at all times and only undertake Chelsea FC work and any other additional authorised paid work with organisations that does not risk a conflict of interest.
• The ability to implement and manage safety procedures at all levels.
• A positive attitude undertaking any aspect of the job role.
• Show initiative by being able to see and act upon the opportunities in any given situation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to interpret and implement policies as required.
• Flexible and a team player.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications:

Essential

• Currently be in possession of or are working towards NVQ level 4 or 5 in Spectator Safety.
• Possession of Health and Safety Professional Qualifications including IOSH or NEBOSH.
• Safeguarding Level 2 qualification or equivalent.

Desirable

• First Aid Certification.

Experience:

Essential

• Working knowledge of the SGSA Green Guide.
• Previous experience (minimum of 2 years) working as a Safety Officer or Deputy Safety Officer within a sports ground setting, preferably at a football stadium.
• A wide knowledge and experience of the safety issues in relevant sporting venues.
• Ability to organise and motivate team members.
• Proven experience in the practical delivery of Health and Safety systems.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the company in a multi-agency environment.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and licensing requirements associated with football stadia or similar venues.
• Ability to conduct thorough and timely Health and Safety investigations.
• Awareness of the management of large crowds within a stadia environment.
• Good levels of IT literacy including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work unsupervised and to tight deadlines.
• Possession of Health and Safety Professional Qualifications including IOSH or NEBOSH.

Desirable

• Experience of working within the sport industry.
• Ability to engage with others and to both internal and external stakeholders.

The Employee must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to Chelsea Football Club policies and procedures in particular Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and with regard to the Data Protection Act. The Employee must act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are in their care or attending the Company's premises. The Employee must report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the Safeguarding Lead.

Chelsea Football Club and the Foundation is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people, and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. As a consequence, Chelsea FC may require any successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to working at our premises. Successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening appropriate to the post applied for.