Head, Juniors, Masters and Beach Tennis (Strategy & Events)

JOB TITLE: Head, Juniors, Masters and Beach Tennis (Strategy & Events)

DEPARTMENT: Tours & Player Pathway

REPORTING TO: Executive Director, Juniors, Masters and Beach Tennis

LOCATION: Southwest London (with international travel)

We currently work to a hybrid model requiring a mandatory minimum of 3 days per week working in the office based in Southwest London and as part of this, Mondays and Tuesdays are ‘anchor days’ where all staff are obliged to work from the office.

International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the world governing body of tennis. Founded in 1913, its purpose is to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport, delivering tennis for future generations in association with its 214 national and regional member associations. The ITF oversees the rules and regulations that govern international and national competition.

The ITF is responsible for the worldwide development of tennis through its highly regarded Development Programme, its Science and Technical department which monitors equipment and technology, and its Officiating department which oversees the education and advancement of officials. The ITF is the owner and co-owner of the two largest annual international team competitions in tennis, the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC) by Gainbridge and manages the Olympic and Paralympic Tennis Events on behalf of the IOC and IPC. The ITF organises over 3,500 weeks of men’s, women’s and junior tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, ITF Beach Tennis Tour, UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour and the ITF Masters Circuit. The ITF upholds the highest standards of integrity and is a partner in the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

Overview of Juniors Tennis

The ITF Juniors team is responsible for the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors, which features over 1,050 tournaments in approximately 135 nations. The Tour provides competition opportunities for the world’s best junior players and a launch pad to develop and compete within the international player pathway. The department is also responsible for the delivery of ITF owned competitions. These include the 14U World Junior Tennis Competition, Billie Jean King Cup Juniors by Gainbridge & Davis Cup Juniors, as well as the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals.

Overview of the Masters Tour

The ITF Masters team is responsible for the administration, growth and development of the World Tennis Masters Tour and its related projects. The Tour currently has over 650 tournaments in 75 nations, and over 42,000 active players, with ambitions to grow considerably. In addition, the team plan and deliver the ITF Masters World Team and Individual Championships annually for all age categories from 30 and over through to 90 and over.

Overview of the Beach Tennis Tour

The Beach Tennis team is responsible for delivering its mission: to expand Beach Tennis as the leading beach sport for professional and junior athletes worldwide. In addition, the team is responsible for the administration and development of the ITF Beach Tennis World Tour and Junior World Tour and related major event projects, including the World Cup, the World Championship and the Sand Series. Beach Tennis is a fast-growing sport, and the team is responsible for promoting and marketing the sport at both a grassroots and professional level – all in an international and fast-paced environment.

The Role:

This role leads through influence and oversees strategic development, event management, delivery, governance, and global promotion of World Tennis Tour Juniors, Junior Team Competitions, World Tennis Masters Tour and Beach Tennis – working closely with the Executive Director, Juniors, Masters and Beach. In the first instance, the role will have a greater emphasis on the Masters and Beach Tennis portfolios, while also supporting key Juniors strategy and events activity; the balance across the three areas may evolve over time in line with departmental priorities.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Deliver the vision and long-term strategic plans for each activity in alignment with the ITF’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Work alongside the Executive Director and Senior Management across the business to deliver annual business and department objectives against agreed performance metrics, including collaboration with various functions including communications, commercial, digital, technology, finance and legal.
• Work with the respective Advisory Panels and associated Working Groups to ensure effective management and consultation with the Juniors, Masters, and Beach Tennis Committees– supporting the ITF Board in the successful governance of each activity.
• Provide leadership and guidance on all aspects of operational activities associated with each activity including monitoring, upholding and implementing the respective regulations and code of conduct.
• Lead on and foster effective relationships and collaboration with National Associations, Regional Associations, Players, and other stakeholders (e.g. IOC, Grand Slams, ATP, WTA, ITIA).
• Ensure the effective management and evolution of global competition structures, event management, player pathways, player education programmes and ranking systems.
• Responsibility for the planning, on-site delivery and review of multiple ITF owned major events (including Juniors, Masters and Beach Tennis), including the procurement of Hosts and favourable contract agreements for the benefit of the ITF and the player communities.
• Deputise for the Executive Director, Juniors, Masters and Beach Tennis as required, including representing the department functions internally and externally.
• Drive innovation and professional standards in event operations, player experience, technology, marketing, communications and digital engagement across all categories.
• A lead role in budget planning, commercial approach, and resource allocation across the three areas, supporting revenue generation alongside responsible and impactful investment.
• Monitor trends and insights in tennis and sport to guide innovation and relevance in the delivery of each activity.
• Critically analyse key metrics and data to support senior leadership, committees and board with strategic decision making.
• Uphold and promote the values of safeguarding, integrity, inclusivity, and sustainability across all areas of responsibility.
• The role delivers outcomes through matrix leadership and cross-functional working. Direct reports are not currently envisaged but may evolve at the discretion of the Executive Director.

As the needs of the business can evolve rapidly this role may change accordingly, therefore this document should be viewed as guidelines which are subject to change.

You will have…

• Proven leadership experience in national or international sport, preferably in tennis and/or comparable global sport ecosystems.
• Expertise in competition structures, event operations and sport governance.
• Strong strategic thinking and policy development capabilities, with a deep understanding of the international player pathway and the needs of players at all stages of the tennis lifecycle.
• Excellent stakeholder management, time management and communication skills with a collaborative and diplomatic approach.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and complex projects across multiple stakeholders, with an ability to manage a large and varied workload effectively.
• A passion for growing the game and a commitment to the ITF’s mission to deliver tennis for future generations.
• Digital / Product mindset; data-led decision making; and strong executive writing.
• Integrity, accountability, diplomacy and tact.
• Commercial awareness with financial acumen and experience managing multiple budgets.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English; additional European language(s) desirable
• Flexibility. Hours can be long and international travel over some weekends is part of the role.

What we offer

• 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Group personal pension scheme, Life assurance and Wellbeing allowance
• Health Cash Plan
• Lunch provided when working in the office (up to £9 per day)
• Complimentary healthy snacks and fresh fruit when working in the office
• Ride2Work Scheme
• Working hours: based on a 35 hours per week. Normal office hours are 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours possible with core hours of 10am – 4pm

Application Process

Please send a covering letter and CV to itftennis@psdgroup.com stating Head, Juniors, Masters & Beach Tennis (Strategy & Events) in the subject field of the email, clearly indicating in your cover letter whether you require sponsorship or a work permit to work in the UK either now or in the future.

The ITF processes your applicant data in accordance with our Privacy Notice – Recruitment, which can be found on our website.

The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS or equivalent level Overseas Criminal Records Check.

Equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) is a fundamental priority for the ITF. Our philosophy focusses on embedding inclusive behaviours and processes across every element of our business practices.