Safety Officer and Site Manager

About The Role

Role Overview

This role is comprised of the following functions: Stadium Manager, Safety Officer, Health & Safety, Safeguarding & Licensing Manager, and will be responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the stadium and wider site. This is a senior leadership role requiring an experienced professional capable of ensuring the venue operates in full compliance with all regulatory requirements while delivering a first-class matchday and event environment.

The successful candidate will act as the designated Safety Officer for Barnet FC and London Bees, and will lead on all matters relating to stadium safety, health and safety compliance, safeguarding, and licensing. They will work closely with the local authority, emergency services, governing bodies, and internal departments to maintain the highest possible standards.

This role demands exceptional organisational capability, calm decision-making under pressure, and a proactive approach to risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Stadium & Site Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the stadium and surrounding estate.
• Ensure the stadium is fully prepared for all fixtures, events, and non-matchday activities.
• Lead operational planning meetings and coordinate cross-department delivery.
• Manage service providers, contractors, and facilities teams to ensure high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures aligned with industry best practice.

Safety Officer Duties

• Act as the Club's appointed Safety Officer in accordance with the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide).
• Prepare, maintain, and continuously review the Stadium Safety Certificate.
• Produce Event Safety Plans, risk assessments, and contingency procedures.
• Lead match briefings and Club sub-groups.
• Attend Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings and maintain strong relationships with police, fire, ambulance services, and local authority partners.
• Organise match day stewarding, first aid and paramedic teams.
• Lead the control room operation on matchdays and major events.
• Ensure appropriate stewarding levels, briefing processes, and deployment plans.

Health & Safety Leadership

• Serve as the responsible lead for all site-wide health and safety matters.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Maintain a robust risk assessment framework and accident reporting procedures.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on safe working practices.

Safeguarding

• Act as the Club's Safeguarding Lead, reporting to the Board.
• Ensure compliance with FA, EPPP, EFL and WNL safeguarding regulations and best practice.
• Maintain safeguarding policies, reporting pathways, and staff training programmes.
• Work closely with academy, community, and matchday teams to promote a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

Licensing & Compliance

• Lead on all stadium licensing requirements including the General Safety Certificate and premises licence.
• Act as the primary liaison with licensing authorities.
• Ensure compliance with alcohol licensing, regulated entertainment, and event permissions.
• Prepare documentation for inspections and regulatory reviews.

Matchday & Event Delivery

• Hold overall operational responsibility for matchdays and major events.
• Ensure effective co-ordination between stewards, medical teams, security, and operations staff.
• Manage emergency planning and incident response.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and implement improvements.

Leadership & Management

• Line-manage relevant operational and safety personnel.
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management of stewarding and safety teams.
• Foster a positive, professional, and accountable team culture.

Manage associated budgets and support long-term operational planning.

About The Candidate

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Qualifications
• Significant experience in stadium, venue, or major event operations.
• Proven experience acting as a Safety Officer or Deputy Safety Officer.
• Strong working knowledge of the Green Guide and UK safety legislation.
• Experience working with Safety Advisory Groups and emergency services.
• Demonstrable leadership experience within a complex operational environment.
• Recognised safeguarding qualification or willingness to complete training.

Skills & Attributes
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills.
• Calm, authoritative decision-maker, particularly under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to risk.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable
• Experience within professional football or elite sport.
• First Aid or emergency planning qualifications.
• Experience managing multi-use venues.

Working Hours

Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate must be flexible and available to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays in line with the fixture and events calendar.