Role Summary
The Pathway Operations Lead is responsible for the day-to-day operational planning and delivery of the NSL, NXT Gen and Pathway programmes, ensuring all activity is delivered efficiently, effectively, and in line with the strategic direction set by the CEO and Franchise Director.
This role focuses on execution, coordination, and implementation, translating strategic priorities into high-quality operational delivery across all programmes.
- Plan and deliver operational plans aligned to the strategic direction
- Coordinate the day-to-day running of NSL, NXT Gen and Pathway programmes
- Ensure consistency and efficiency across all operational activity
- Support the implementation of programme strategies
- Manage operations for all NXT Gen and NPL matchdays, training and community camps
- This will include successfully coordinating, managing and delivering the team’s programme logistics and administration.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme Logistics & Coordination
- Lead operational delivery of:
- Trials
- Training and competition schedules
- Travel, accommodation and logistics for NSL, NXT Gen and NPL
- Facility bookings and programme setup
- Ensure all NXT Gen and Pathway programme activity is delivered to required NSL standards and timelines as per the EOS (Expected Operating Standards) document
- Plan, deliver and lead NXT Gen and NPL matchday and event operations
Operational Systems & Compliance
- Implement and manage systems to ensure:
- Athlete data and records are accurate
- Programme administration is compliant
- Reporting deadlines are met
- Ensure operational compliance with:
- NSL standards
- Safeguarding and welfare processes
- UK Anti-Doping
- Provide information and reports to the Franchise Director
Stakeholder Coordination
- Act as operational point of contact for:
- Coaches, Team Managers, support staff
- Athletes and pathway stakeholders
- Coordinate communication across programmes
- Support relationships with Wales Netball and England Netball through delivery and reporting
Financial Administration
- Support budget tracking and operational spend
- Process and monitor programme-related expenditure
- Ensure financial processes are followed in line with organisational systems
- Process and administer payments relating to Dragon’s expenditure, in line with a budget to be set and managed by the Franchise Director
People & Delivery Support
- Support recruitment and coordination of staff and volunteers involved in NSL, NXT Gen and NPL programme delivery
- Support workforce planning for events and programmes
- Ensure effective operational delivery across multi-disciplinary teams
Continuous Improvement (Operational Only)
- Identify improvements to systems and processes
- Recommend efficiencies to the Franchise Director
- Support a high-performance, well-organised environment
Additional
- Ensure a culture of respect and compliance through fair and ethical practices
- Any other reasonable areas of work as outlined at the discretion of the Franchise Director and CEO that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job.
- Proactively comply with and promote all organisation policies, in particular those relating to Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Mental Health and Data Protection.
For more information about Essential and Desirable Criteria please see here: https://walesnetball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dragons-Pathway-Operations-Manager-Recruitment-Pack-2026.pdf
Terms of Appointment
Role: Full Time, Permanent Contract
Renumeration: £28,081 - £32,240 per annum
Annual Leave: 28 days per year plus bank holidays
Based: Cardiff, with work from home flexibility. Travel required for competitions & events (evenings/weekends flex)
Reporting to: Franchise Director
Direct Reports: Event Delivery Volunteers
How to Apply
Please send your C.V and either a Cover Letter or Application Video outlining your suitability for the role, and how you meet the essential and desirable aspects of the job description to [email protected] (If choosing an Application Video please upload it to a Dropbox, no other files storing links will be accepted) and include the link in your application email
Closing Date for applications: 12pm Midday on 13th July 2026
Interview Date: 20th July 2026
For an informal conversation about the role please contact [email protected]
Pay: £28,081.00-£32,240.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cardiff CF11 9SW
