By bringing together next-gen technology and the finest live data available, Genius Sports is enabling a new era of sports for fans worldwide, delivering experiences that are more immersive, interactive and personalised than ever before. Learn more at geniussports.com.
THE ROLE:
The Lead Officiating Manager is a senior operational leadership position responsible for overseeing live SAOT delivery across multiple competitions, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and professionalism.
Reporting to the Senior Officiating Manager, this role combines hands-on match-day leadership with people management, stakeholder engagement, and operational scaling. You will lead large officiating teams, act as a senior authority during live operations, and support Genius Sports’ global expansion through training, onboarding, and league integration.
This is a critical role for an individual with deep operational credibility, calm decision-making under pressure, and a relentless commitment to operational excellence.
Technical & Operational Leadership
- Maintain hands-on involvement in live SAOT operations to retain operational credibility.
- Lead live match operations, making decisive real-time judgments to ensure seamless system performance.
- Act as the senior operational authority during matches, maintaining full command of SAOT workflows and protocols.
- Identify, manage, and resolve operational or technical issues quickly to maintain service continuity.
- Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams, providing structured feedback to support system improvement.
- Support new league and market launches, acting as a key contact for onboarding, operational setup, and operator training.
- Lead and develop a large, diverse team of SAOT operators for LigaMX.
- Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement aligned with elite officiating environments.
- Conduct structured 1:1s, performance reviews, and development planning.
- Mentor senior and junior operators, supporting both technical capability and professional growth.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to scale capacity, efficiency, and quality standards globally.
- Serve as the primary operational point of contact for league and federation stakeholders during matchdays, both remotely and on-site.
- Ensure consistent, proactive, and professional communication with all stakeholders.
- Support client confidence and satisfaction through delivery excellence, transparency, and clear reporting.
- Uphold the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
- Proven experience working in elite football officiating or officiating operations, ideally within professional or international competitions.
- Strong understanding of Law 11 (Offside) and how technology supports decision-making within VAR or comparable officiating systems.
- Demonstrated experience operating in high-pressure, broadcast-critical sporting environments, requiring calm, accurate real-time judgment.
- Clear leadership capability, with experience managing and developing teams in performance-led environments.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate complex operations across multiple stakeholders and time zones.
- Strong operational mindset with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and continuous improvement.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with technical, product, and engineering teams to improve systems and processes.
- Willingness to travel internationally and work flexibly around match schedules.
IT WILL BE A BONUS IF YOU KNOW
- Background as a professional or elite-level Referee or Assistant Referee.
- Experience working within sports technology, broadcast technology, or performance analytics environments.
- Prior involvement in VAR, SAOT, goal-line technology, or comparable officiating systems.
- Experience supporting the launch or scaling of officiating technology across multiple competitions or markets.
- Familiarity with international football governance structures and league operations.
We enjoy an ‘office-first’ culture and maximize opportunities to collaborate, connect and learn together. Our hybrid working models differ depending on your role and location.
As well as a competitive salary and range of benefits, we’re committed to supporting employee wellbeing and helping you grow your skills, experience and career. Learn more about how rewarding life at Genius can be at Reward | Genius Sports.
One team, being brave, driving change
We strive to create an inclusive working environment, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and the ability to make a difference. Learn more about our values and culture at Culture | Genius.
Let us know when you apply if you need any assistance during the recruiting process due to a disability.
Top Skills
Genius Sports Melbourne, Victoria, AUS Office
We have delivery and technology, client services and fan engagement teams. Our office is based in South Melbourne, surrounded by some of Australia’s top sports broadcasters.
