CHIEF OPERATIONS / COMPETITIONS OFFICER
Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of respect, inclusivity, and tradition. Matches are televised on Fox Sports as well as local market platforms, and its OTT Platform, The Rugby Network which offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches live, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Allianz Women’s Premiership Rugby, and other international rugby content.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Operations and Competition Officer will lead all activities related to MLR competitions including: competition management; referees; player personnel management; medical protocols; league high performance initiatives, including joint initiatives with the governing body(ies); and grassroots development initiatives. In addition to overseeing the day to day management of MLR competition, the individual will be the operational lead for MLR with primary responsibility for managing and implementing processes across all day to day operational matters within MLR. With the CEO and CCO this individual will be a key member of the MLR executive team collectively responsible for executing against all aspects of the MLR business.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership
- Collaborate with the Board of Governors (BoG) and the Executive Management Team (EMT) to set and drive the organizational vision and mission, corporate strategy, and hiring needs to execute the highest level of rugby competition in North America
- With CEO and CCO, report regularly to the MLR Executive Committee and Board of Governors
- Evaluate existing business processes including HR, IT, Finance, Legal and help identify opportunities for greater operational output to align with the short- and long-term organizational strategy developed in tandem with the EMT
- Strategically manage and coordinate employee output from different departments and locations to ensure efficiency
- With the Director of Finance, oversee annual budgeting, financial procedures and policies
Competition Management
● Oversight of MLR’s competition department including:
- Primary management of all competition related staff
- Ensure league wide adherence to league rules and policies, and World Rugby
(WR) laws and regulations. - Constant evaluation of existing league wide rules and policies and conduct
annual review to ensure MLR is evolving to the domestic and global trends and
needs of the game - Working with the MLR Medical Director to develop league wide protocols and
ensure the compliance of all MLR medical policies. - With competitions department staff, team and stadium contacts oversee the
development of MLR annual competition schedule. - Manage disciplinary protocols in coordination with MLR disciplinary rules and in
accordance with WR laws and regulations. - In coordination with the Director of Competitions, oversight of the match official
management, assignment, and development; - Overall oversight of team compliance with MLR Rules and regulations
Player Personnel Management
- Work closely with the human resources department on all elements of player personnel management and administration including:
- player contracting
- visa / immigration processes
- payroll management
- workers compensation and risk management
- adherence to off-field disciplinary processes
- consistent application of league rules and procedures
- Review all off-field disciplinary matters and recommend appropriate remediation
Governing Body Relationship
- Foster collaborative relationships with governing bodies including USAR, and WR to maintain alignment and drive strategic initiatives.
- Primary liaison between MLR and governing bodies on high performance and compliance issues.
- Collaborate closely with governing bodies to develop and implement policies, procedures and initiatives that promote the growth, integrity, and sustainability of rugby at all levels.
- Grassroots Program and Youth Initiatives
- With MLR Director of Youth Development, support the pathway efforts inclusive of academy teams, MLR Grassroots, and community development programs.
- Support MLR relationship with the nonprofit Imagine Rugby program.
- Support the Director of Youth Development in his efforts to grow Rugby across North
America.
Core competencies
- Ability to be self sufficient and drive organizational excellence
- Ability to successfully manage several projects simultaneously
- Proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders and building successful win/win working relationships
- Excellent interpersonal and personnel management skillset
- Exceptional organizational skills with high attention to detail with regards to work product
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a multi-dimensional fast paced environment
- Willingness to take ownership and be held accountable
- Ability to add to a positive working culture and support teammates
- Strategic capabilities and natural problem solver
- High level competition management experience knowledge of and / or experience in professional or international Rugby a plus;
- A willingness to challenge and be challenged, able to listen;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public, partners and league members
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, operations or related field.
- Minimum fifteen years full-time experience in managing the operations of a sports organization, business or related field. Familiarity with the sport and business of rugby, both in the U.S. and internationally, preferred.
- If not a U.S. citizen, it is essential that individual is willing to relocate and eligible for a valid work visa
- Proven experience and success at senior management level, managing teams and reporting to a board preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Located in Dallas or Salt Lake City preferred
- During the MLR season this role requires extensive travel over weekends in the United States primarily
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
