Head of Football Operations

The Head of Football Operations is the person who makes sure every NECL matchday actually happens the way it should — kickoff on time, teams prepared, officials briefed, venue compliant, broadcast fed, records filed.

You'll build the operating rulebook of the North-East Champions League from a blank page. Season 1 sets the standard: how we run fixtures across eight states, how we handle disputes, how we protect the integrity of the competition on and off the pitch.

• Author and maintain the NECL Competition Regulations, disciplinary code and matchday operations manual.
• Own the seasonal fixture calendar in coordination with state associations, broadcasters and venue partners.
• Lead matchday delivery across 8 states — venue readiness, officials, medical cover, security and player logistics.
• Chair the Disciplinary and Appeals Committees; document every ruling and precedent.
• Interface with AIFF, state FAs and IFAB on rule alignment, licensing and player registration.
• Build and manage the operations team: match commissioners, venue leads and regional coordinators.
• Own the season budget for football operations and report weekly to the Commissioner.
• Run post-season reviews with clubs and officials; ship an updated regulations pack before every season.

• 8+ years in professional football operations, league administration or state/national FA roles.
• Deep working knowledge of AIFF licensing, FIFA/IFAB laws of the game and Indian football governance.
• Proven experience running multi-venue tournaments or a professional league season.
• Comfort managing officials, clubs and regulators simultaneously — often under time pressure.
• Willingness to be based out of Guwahati and travel across the North-East during the season.
• Bachelor's degree in sports management, law, business or a related discipline.

• AFC Match Commissioner certification or equivalent.
• Prior experience launching a new league or franchise competition from zero.
• Fluency in Assamese, Bengali, Manipuri or another regional language.
• Working knowledge of Comet, FIFA Connect or a similar competition management system.

Guwahati, Assam (Hybrid)

• Primary base: NECL League Office, Guwahati, Assam.
• Hybrid schedule — minimum 3 in-office days a week during the season.
• Expect 8–12 nights of domestic travel a month across the eight NECL host states during Season 1.
• Relocation support provided for candidates moving to Guwahati from outside the North-East.

Role-specific

• Season-long league operations budget authority.
• Direct working relationship with AIFF, state associations and host broadcasters.
• Leadership seat on the NECL Executive Committee.
• Performance bonus tied to Season 1 delivery scorecard.

Every NECL role also includes

• All-access matchday pass for NECL Season 1 across every host city
• Annual NECL merchandise kit and player-tunnel drops
• Health insurance for you and one dependent (full-time roles)
• Learning stipend for football, media or engineering certifications
• Domestic travel and stay covered for on-ground work
• Direct exposure to AIFF, state associations, brand partners and broadcasters
• Founding-team equity conversations for select senior full-time hires
• A culture that treats football as craft, not content

1. 1
   Application review

   Our people team reads every application within 7 working days. If your background fits, we reach out on email to schedule a call.

2. 2
   Intro conversation

   A 30-minute video call with the hiring manager to understand your motivations, your football story and how you like to work.

3. 3
   Craft round

   A short, paid take-home or on-site exercise built around a real NECL problem — no trick questions, no unpaid pitch decks.

4. 4
   Final round & offer

   Meet 2–3 people from leadership and cross-functional teams, then a decision and written offer within 5 working days.