About FIFPRO

Founded in 1965, FIFPRO is the global union representing over 65,000 professional footballers from around the world. FIFPRO's objective is to protect and promote the rights and interests of professional football players. It works towards improving the working conditions, health and safety standards, and overall well-being of players. FIFPRO also advocates for equal opportunities and non-discrimination in football.

FIFPRO is recognised around the world as the leading global union representing male and female professional footballers, with the organization keen to maintain this position going forward. Over the coming years, FIFPRO plans to expand its reach and support to an increased number of member unions, allowing the organization to carry more weight and influence in negotiations with key stakeholders in the football ecosystem.

Role Summary

FIFPRO’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations and working alongside the Secretary General and Board to define and implement FIFPRO’s strategic vision. In addition, they will be responsible for supervising and managing the FIFPRO staff, conducting their year-end reviews and supporting their professional development.

The new Chief Operating Officer must fulfil and honour their fiduciary duties as a Managing Director and member of the Executive Management Team, implementing policies and procedures that promote organizational integrity and further advance the FIFPRO brand around the globe.

The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership, management and communication skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to foster a culture of excellence within a diverse and global environment. They should be a collaborative team player with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

The role is based full-time in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of FIFPRO (diverse team of ~30 FTEs)

• Directly supervise FIFPRO’s Directors (heads of departments), ensuring alignment with organizational goals, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and providing support for their professional development

  • Management Responsibility for: Finance, HR, Legal, Union & Player Relations, Policy, Communications, Events, Medical

• Work alongside the Secretary General and Board to define and implement the strategic vision and goals of FIFPRO

• Demonstrate solid project management skills and the ability to play a proactive leading role in coordinating the delivery of key strategic projects

• Support the Secretary General and Board in maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders

• Attend internal and external events involving member unions and other core stakeholders to foster relationships and advocate for the interests of professional football players; some travel involved

• Fulfil and honour fiduciary duties as a Managing / Statutory Director of FIFPRO, alongside the other members of the Executive Management Team

• Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote organizational integrity and compliance with relevant regulations and standards

• Conduct mid-year and year-end performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and facilitating professional development plans

• Oversee and manage staff compensation structures, ensuring equitable and competitive remuneration in alignment with organizational budgets and industry standard

• Guide and direct the Company Secretary in the preparation of board meeting materials, ensuring that agendas, reports, and documentation are comprehensive, accurate, and aligned with organizational priorities

• Collaborate with the Chief Commercial Officer to support with maintaining relationships with key clients and ensuring alignment between the strategy of FIFPRO Association and Commercial Enterprise

Assessed Key Competencies

• Operational Management: Proven people, operational and programme management skills, with analytical mindset and high attention to detail

• Team Leadership: Experience of creating and leading high performing teams to deliver against objectives

• Stakeholder Management: High emotional intelligence and low ego, with the ability to build trust and develop positive working relationships internally, as well as externally

• Financial Literacy: Strong financial understanding, with experience in reviewing P&Ls, creating budgets and financial decision making

• International Perspective: Previous experience of working internationally, across multiple cultures

• Communication Skills: Strong executive presence and presentation skills. Fluency in additional languages an advantage

• FIFPRO Mission Alignment: Alignment to FIFPRO’s mission and purpose

Minimum Requirements

• Proven operational and programme management skillset, gained within a leading organization

• High level of attention to detail as well as solid analytical mindset

• Strong executive presence, comfortable operating at Board level and with other senior stakeholders

• Excellent strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, with a track record of driving impact

• Strong intercultural communication skills and a team-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and act as an ambassador for the organization

• Credible, competent, well-presented and emotionally secure, projecting confidence and professionalism

• Culturally sensitive, with a proven commitment to diversity and inclusion

• High emotional intelligence, with the ability to develop a harmonious and productive working environment

• Knowledge of leading change management projects in challenging environments

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Low ego, affable and team orientated

• Collaborative, approachable and partnership focused

• Ability to handle prudently, highly confidential matters

• A passion for and general understanding of football

• Proven track record of working in a complex organization and able to build strong relationships, trust and credibility with a diverse set of stakeholders

• Driven and forward thinking, seeking to continuously improve the way in which things are done

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively

Nice to Haves

• Additional language skills (e.g., French or Spanish)

• Experience in a non-profit, trade union, or sports related organization

• A proven track record working in a global multi-stakeholder environment

• Familiarity with the global football landscape, including knowledge of player rights, governance, and industry trends

• Experience in managing Board dynamics and facilitating discussions

• Previous experience in strategic planning or organizational development