Head of Sports Academies

Position Overview

This role will be responsible for conceptualizing, launching, operating, and scaling accessible, community-driven sports academies across India. The objective is to democratize sports participation by building sustainable, high-quality platforms that allow children and adults to access coaching, play infrastructure, and recreational sport experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute a 3-5 year roadmap to scale pay-and-play academies across Tier I and II cities in India.
• Identify key markets, sports disciplines, pricing strategies, and delivery models for scalable operations.
• Build strategic partnerships with schools, municipal bodies, sports complexes, and private venues.

Business Development & Operations

• Drive customer acquisition, community engagement, and retention through marketing and on-ground activations.
• Define and track operational KPIs including enrollment, utilization, revenue, and customer service.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Design revenue models, pricing structures, and payment gateways.
• Prepare and manage standalone P&L statements for the pay-and-play vertical with focus on profitability and cash flow optimization.
• Secure sponsorships, local partnerships, and CSR funding where appropriate.

Team Leadership

• Hire, and manage a diverse team of regional managers, academy coordinators, and coaching staff.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and service orientation.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in sports operations, academy management, or consumer services.
• Proven track record in building scalable grassroots or youth-centric businesses in sports, education, or fitness.
• MBA or equivalent preferred; strong commercial and operational acumen is essential.
• Experience working with tech platforms, CRM tools, and digital marketing is a plus.
• Strong network in the Indian sports ecosystem is desirable.