Role Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal executive role reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and bottom-line performance across all WRU operational activities. Focused on scaling operations, the COO will oversee Finance, Stadium Operations and Event Delivery, Technology Operations, Legal.

The role requires a transformative leader with the ability to align operational infrastructure with the organisation’s strategic objectives, through delivering a modern, efficient operational framework that can leverage opportunities for the greater benefit of Welsh Rugby.

Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday.

Our standard working hours are generally 9am – 5pm but our approach to hybrid working - ‘Team Tactics’ means you can flex your hours and attendance in the office and at events to support a sustainable work-life balance

Due to the nature of our business, attendance at out of hours events during evenings and weekends are an essential part of this role.

Salary: £150,000 - £180,000 per annum.

Closing Date: 13th June 2025.

The Person:

Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field.

Skills and Competencies:

Exceptional leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving efficiency and cost optimisation.
Deep understanding of financial management, operational strategy, basic legal operations and technology-driven innovation.
Proven ability to manage complex operations, including multi-functional teams and large-scale infrastructure.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance.
Excellent IT skills, specifically Microsoft Packages.

Experience:

Extensive experience in senior operational leadership roles, ideally in the sports, entertainment, or similar sectors.
Proven track record of strategic planning and delivering operational efficiencies and cost savings in complex organisations.
Demonstrated success in leveraging technology and digital innovation to improve operational performance.
Strong background in financial oversight supported by an accounting qualification or significant equivalent experience and knowledge in accounting rules and regulations.
Experience in driving cultural change and fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment.

Desirable:

Experience in the rugby sector or a similar sporting ecosystem.
Experience of operating at Board and Board committee level.
Experience in a senior finance role is desirable however this should not prohibit applications from senior leaders in other operational specialisms.
Familiarity with legal and regulatory frameworks governing national governing bodies or sports organisations.
Passion for rugby and an understanding of its cultural and operational dimensions.
Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable.

Personal Attributes:

Visionary and results-oriented, with a commitment to operational excellence.
A collaborative leader with the ability to build strong relationships with people across all areas of the WRU and Welsh rugby ecosystem.
Resilient and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Strong ability to be agile in an ever-changing environment, adaptable to change.
Commitment to actively contribute to, and driving, an inclusive culture.
High level of emotional intelligence, able to engage and influence appropriately.

The Role:

Develop and execute a comprehensive operational business strategy and business plan process to support organisational growth and sustainability.
Providing leadership to Finance, Technology Operations, Legal, and Stadium and Event Operation Leads, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
Drive operational efficiency through process optimisation, automation, and technology-driven innovation.
Ensure financial stability and discipline by implementing rigorous budgetary controls and resource allocation processes.
Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making, improve operational performance, and identify opportunities for innovation.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all operational teams. Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements with responsibility for annual finance audit.
Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to align operational priorities with revenue growth and strategic initiatives.
Delivering greater shared efficiencies of the WRU and Regions operating in a more aligned manner.

Key Activities:

Operational Strategy and Leadership:

Develop and implement an operational roadmap aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals for 2029.
Lead cross-functional teams to identify and deliver operational efficiencies, cost savings, and process improvements.
Ensure the organisation’s operational infrastructure is scalable and capable of supporting future growth.

Financial Oversight:

With the Finance Director, deliver financial planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Implement rigorous financial controls to manage costs and optimise resource allocation.
Provide input and support to the CEO and Board with respect to strategic and financial objectives and ensuring financial transparency and sustainability.
Identify financial issues and advise on key issues of growth, investment and profitability.

Stadium Operations:

Optimise stadium operations to deliver exceptional event-day experiences while maintaining cost efficiency.
Oversee partnerships with service providers (e.g., catering, security, maintenance) to ensure seamless operations.
Drive revenue from non-match day activities, ensuring effective utilisation of stadium facilities.

Technology and Digital Innovation:

Champion the adoption of technology to automate processes, enhance efficiency, and support strategic initiatives. Ensure the organisation’s technology infrastructure is secure, scalable, and aligned with best practices.
Ensure robust IT infrastructure that is fit for purpose
Champion a data-driven culture, leveraging analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Legal and Compliance:

Ensure compliance with legal, accounting, tax, regulatory, and governance requirements across all operations, providing advice to Boards.
Oversee legal processes, contracts, and risk management activities.
Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies and auditors.

People and Culture:

Collaborate with the Chief People Officer to align operational priorities with talent strategies.
Build high-performing, collaborative teams across operational functions.
Enhancing and celebrating the Welsh culture, enabling the Welsh language to thrive in the workplace.
Foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Relationships:

Internal:

CEO (line manager)
Executive Team
Senior Leadership Team including direct reports
Operational and administrative teams
Board and governance committees

External (Supporting the Head of Functions within the COO remit):

Finance Partners: Banks, financial advisors, auditors, and investment partners to ensure sound financial management, compliance, and resource optimisation.
Chief Executive Officers & Finance Directors of four professional clubs
Legal Partners: Law firms, regulatory bodies, and compliance agencies to manage contracts, governance, and risk mitigation.
Vendors and Service Providers: Technology, infrastructure, catering, and stadium operation partners to support efficient delivery of services.
Regulatory Authorities: Tax authorities, employment regulators, and industry compliance bodies to ensure adherence to all legal and financial regulations.

Industry Peers and Alliances:

National and international governing bodies and operational leads in other sports organisations to share best practices and drive collaboration.

WRU Requirements:

The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a DBS check.

The Perks:

As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Pension (9% employee, matched by WRU)
Life assurance (4 x basic annual salary)
WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with Ticketing Policy)
Employee assistance programme
Enhanced Company Sick Pay
Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
Free stadium parking and gym
WRU Group store and tour discounts
WRU Group partnership offers (subject to change)

Our Values:

The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.

Inclusion At The WRU:

The WRU Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to supporting and prompting equality and diversity. We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Diversity monitoring:

We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve.

To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form.

None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application. It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes.

You can select 'prefer not to say’ if you would rather not answer any question.

WRU - Welsh Rugby Union

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Chief Operating Officer (COO)