Football Systems Operator (VAR/ ARO)

Job description

**Location:** Stockley Park, London **Contract Type:** Casual – Matchday contract **Hourly Rate**: £13.00 - £18.20 Per Hour (exact rate will vary depending on role) **Start Date:** September 2026 ## **Introduction** Welcome to Hawk-Eye Innovations! We are excited to introduce you to our dynamic, fast-paced team. We are passionate about football and dedicated to delivering elite sports experiences. As our operations continue to grow, we are looking for talented individuals to join us on this journey. ## **Role Overview** We are looking to build a pool of **System Operators** to support the delivery of our live Premier League VAR operations at Stockley Park across two key operational roles: **Assistant Replay Operator** and **VARDict Operator**. **Crucially, we are seeking candidates who possess open, full, and flexible availability.** While these roles are offered on a **zero-hours casual contract**, match schedules fluctuate dynamically across the week and peak during key periods of the football calendar. We need team members who are fully available, ready to commit to significant hours when offered, and able to adapt to changing matchday schedules. If you have open availability, thrive under pressure, and can process visual information rapidly and accurately, these roles offer an exceptional opportunity to work with cutting-edge replay and VARDict technology at the heart of live broadcast operations watched by millions worldwide. ## **System Operator Roles** **1. Assistant Replay Operator (ARO)** Depending on your experience and shift assignment, responsibilities include: - **Video Feed Management:** Monitor incoming camera feeds to ensure real-time, high-quality video is available throughout the match. - **VAR & Replay Support:** Provide immediate access to key camera angles upon request, ensuring efficient reviews for the VAR team. - **Matchday Preparation:** Assist in the setup, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of VAR hardware and software prior to kickoff. - **System Operation & Monitoring:** Operate specialised Hawk-Eye SMART Replay technology and ensure system reliability during live matches. - **Incident Logging & Archiving:** Capture, label, timestamp, and archive key incidents (goals, penalties, offsides, red cards) for quick retrieval and post-match review. **2. VARDict Operator** Depending on your experience and shift assignment, responsibilities include: - **VARDict System Delivery:** Communicate live VAR decisions accurately by outputting real-time data and notifications to stadium screens, broadcasters, and partners. - **Stockley Park Support:** Liaise remotely with officials, broadcasters, and stadium staff to maintain data precision, conduct pre-match system checks, and handle technical troubleshooting calmly under live pressure. ## **Essential Attributes:** This is a highly visible and high-pressure role. We’re looking for individuals who are **reliable, professional, and passionate about football**, and who meet the following essential criteria: - Must live within a **commutable distance to Stockley Park** - Must be available to work **weekends and some midweek evenings** - Ability to **perform under pressure** in a live broadcast environment - Strong **football knowledge** and understanding of the Laws of the Game - A high level of **professionalism** – you'll be working in a **client-facing role** - Excellent **communication skills** and a calm, solutions-focused attitude - A solid **technical foundation** and quick to learn new systems - **Excellent hand–eye coordination** and reaction speed, with skills commonly developed through video gaming or fast-paced interactive environments - Ability to **process visual information rapidly,** select the correct camera angles, and execute precise actions in time-critical moments - Proactive, organised, and detail-oriented At Hawk-Eye Innovations, we appreciate and value the importance of potential and growth. If you believe that you excel in certain areas and possess the passion and desire to develop further, we encourage you to apply. **Desirable Attributes:** - Previous experience using **replay/video editing software** - Experience working in **live broadcast events** and **video formats** - Strong understanding of **PC networking** ## **Why This Role Is Right for You:** - Be part of **live Premier League operations** at the heart of the action - Work in an environment where **technology meets elite sport** - Gain experience in **video operations, data systems, and broadcast workflows** - Join a team that values **development, innovation, and collaboration** ## **As You Progress:** - **Replay Operator Pathway:** Top-performing Assistant Replay Operators with strong availability and track records can progress to full Replay Operators working directly alongside the VAR on Premier League matches. - **International Tournaments:** Opportunities to expand into UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and FIFA operations, including European and international travel. - **Technology Expansion:** Scope to work with broader Hawk-Eye audio, video, and data technologies. We’ll support you every step of the way, but these are roles where **focus, resilience, and professionalism** are a must.  ## **What Challenges Might I Face?** Up to this point, while there may be many things that you find intriguing about this role, it is not without its unique challenges. Here are some that you can expect to find with the role: - **Working Hours**: Due to the nature of the sports industry, there is often work on weekends and midweek evenings, and we are expected to fulfil our roles until the final whistle and takedown is complete. - **Travelling Abroad**: As the role progresses into international tournament operations, you will be required to travel abroad. This may mean spending periods away from home, which may occasionally conflict with personal milestones or important events. - **High-Pressure Situations:** Working in a live broadcast environment on a production that is distributed globally and widely seen by many will bring levels of pressure. All of these different factors offer different challenges daily as an operator. We will do everything we can to train you and support you to the best possible level, but these factors should be considered before submitting your application. ## **Team Culture** At Hawk-Eye, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, high-performance culture where trust, passion, and innovation thrive. We believe in fostering an environment where every team member is empowered to push boundaries and contribute to the future of sports technology. Our work is guided by three core values: - **We are Brave:** We challenge the status quo, embrace big ideas, and constantly seek new ways to innovate in the sports entertainment industry. We aren't afraid to take risks in pursuit of excellence. - **We are Owners:** We take personal accountability for our work, our decisions, and our collective success. We celebrate our wins together and treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve. - **We are Inclusive:** We believe our diversity makes us stronger. We cultivate a welcoming environment where unique perspectives are valued, all while being united by our shared love for sports and technology.