Central Operations Executive

Job Description

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for a Central Operations Executive to join our Strategy & Operations team on a permanent basis.

Job Title : Central Operations Executive
Department : Strategy and Operations    
Reports to : Business & Corporate Support Lead
Direct report(s) : 2x Central Operations Administrators
Salary Banding : c. £35,000 per annum 
Job Level : Implement
Location : HQ - This role is contractually based at Allianz Stadium, offering some flexibility to work from home
Employment Type : Permanent 
Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week

Application Information:

• Please submit an anonymised CV (i.e. remove personal details). You do not need to submit a cover letter
• Vacancy closing date:8th July at 12 noon
• Early applications are encouraged as this role may close early due to high interest

To help us get to know your unique experience and voice, we kindly ask that you complete your application without the use of AI‑generated content. This ensures we can fairly and accurately understand your skills, perspective, and suitability for the role. 

The Role:

We are looking for a Central Operations Executive to join our Strategy and Operations team to manage and provide administrative support including events, process mapping, actioning purchase order processes, and driving continuous, business-wide process improvements. This is a true administrative support role to provide additional assistance to several functions and roles across the business. The role holder will need to ensure that they build relationships with key roles in other departments to fulfil their areas of the process in a consistent and timely manner. They will play a key role in enabling the wider business to operate more effectively and drive ongoing improvement.

As line manager to two Central Operations Administrators, the postholder will support their team to effectively manage competing priorities, develop their skills and identify opportunities to improve ways of working across multiple disciplines.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the effective delivery of core operational and administrative processes, including but not limited to processing expenses, raising purchase orders (POs), record management, managing fleet damages, and checking mileage. Ensuring strong governance, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Assist with data entry, document preparation, and other clerical tasks as needed.
• Support the team with ad hoc projects and tasks to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Develop and maintain standardised templates and documentation for event planning, expense processing, and other recurring tasks.
• Provide clear direction to the Central Operations Administrators setting clear priorities to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently.
• Act as a trusted Subject Matter Expert on operations processes and continuous improvement, providing guidance and support across the business where required.
• Assist with, or lead on, complex tasks during peak times or when additional support is needed.
• Actively identify areas of the business which could be digitised to free up people resource and work with internal stakeholders to develop business cases.
• Work with business wide stakeholders and partners to identify, design and implement improvements in business processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy, making use of all available tools (including but not limited to process automation and AI).
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

Essential:

• Effective communicator who possesses good communication skills and an ability to engage at all levels.
• Previous experience of organising and operating office systems and providing a Corporate Administration service in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrable ability to identify process efficiencies and drive positive change through innovation.
• Be able to prioritise resource effectively to support the organisation’s priorities.
• Strong literacy with well-developed writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and time management.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• An effective team member with sufficient flexibility and willingness to take on roles outside his/her normal functional responsibility when required.
• Must maintain confidentiality and have the ability to handle highly sensitive material with discretion.
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

Desirable: 

• Rounded business knowledge and a good understanding of the RFU.
• Experience using Smartsheet.
• Experience using automation flows e.g. Microsoft Power Automate.
• Experience of online ticketing/service request systems (e.g. Freshdesk).
• Experience of leading a team and supporting the development of others.
• An interest in sport is desirable but not essential.

Additional Information:

• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com.
• During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.

About Us

About England Rugby

Our core activities are:

• Rugby – supporting rugby from grassroots to performance level
• Commercial – building partnerships and hosting matches and events
• Running the business - ensuring our organization and people can thrive

Our Culture

What we can offer you

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• A variety of corporate discounts
• Priority access to purchase match tickets
• 25% discount in Rugby Store and EnglandRugby.com
• 25 days of annual leave
• Your birthday day off
• Free access to the stadium gym
• Life assurance of 4x your basic salary, income protection scheme and Employee Assistance Programme that offers anonymous and confidential, emotional and practical support 24/7
• Pension Scheme; the RFU will double match your individual contribution up to 10% of salary

https://www.englandrugby.com/about-rfu/rfu-policies/diversity-and-inclusion/our-approach