Manager - Match Officials

Football QLD; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Football Queensland is seeking an experienced leader to become the Manager - Match Officials, driving the delivery of the Referee Strategy and shaping officiating across the state. You will oversee a statewide team, manage key projects, and foster relationships with Football Australia and regional staff to strengthen referee pathways and growth in officiating.

The role focuses on recruitment, development, retention and engagement, ensuring referees across Queensland receive support and resources

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams and delivering strategic projects or programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationships management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities across a large and geographically dispersed network.
• An understanding of football officiating pathways or the broader football landscape.
• A commitment to creating positive experiences for participants and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the statewide implementation of Football Queensland's Referee Strategy.
• Manage and support referee development staff across Queensland.
• Develop and oversee recruitment, retention and engagement initiatives for match officials.
• Drive referee education, coaching and mentoring frameworks to support referee development at all levels.
• Lead the delivery of the Football Queensland Referee Academy.
• Collaborate with Football Australia and other key stakeholders to align referee development pathways.
• Work closely with the State Referee Committee on key strategic initiatives.
• Oversee statewide referee development programs, training opportunities and match day coaching frameworks.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs, volunteers, referees and football administrators.
• Manage referee development budgets and strategic project delivery.
• Support initiatives that create safe, inclusive and positive environments for match officials.

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Sport Management, Business, Business Administration or a related discipline

Experience working within sporting organisations, member-based organisations or volunteer environments

Knowledge of Football Australia's referee framework and officiating pathways

Understanding of the football landscape in Queensland

Job description

Lead the Future of Football Officiating in Queensland

Football Queensland is seeking an experienced and passionate leader to take on the role of Manager - Match Officials, responsible for driving the delivery of Football Queensland's Referee Strategy and shaping the future of officiating across the state.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the development, recruitment, retention and progression of thousands of match officials while creating a positive and inclusive officiating culture throughout Queensland.

Working closely with the General Manager - Leagues & Officials, regional referee staff, Football Australia and key stakeholders across the game, you will leave strategic initiatives that strengthen referee pathways and support sustainable growth in officiating.

About the Role

As Manager - Match Officials, you will lead the implementation of Football Queensland's Referee Strategy across four key pillars:

• Retention & Engagement
• Training & Development

You will oversee a statewide team of referee development staff, manage key strategic projects, foster strong stakeholder relationships, and ensure referees across Queensland receive the support, development opportunities and resources they need to thrive.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on football by helping recruitment, develop and retain the next generation of match officials.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the General Manager - Leagues & Officials, you will:

• Lead the statewide implementation of Football Queensland's Referee Strategy.
• Manage and support referee development staff across Queensland.
• Develope and oversee recruitment, retention and engagement initiatives for match officials.
• Drive referee education, coaching and mentoring frameworks to support referee development at all levels.
• Lead the delivery of the Football Queensland Referee Academy.
• Collaborate with Football Australia and other key stakeholders to align referee development pathways.
• Work closely with the State Referee Committee on key strategic initiatives.
• Oversee statewide referee development programs, training opportunities and match day coaching frameworks.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs, volunteers, referees and football administrators.
• Manage referee development budgets and strategic project delivery.
• Support initiatives that create safe, inclusive and positive environments for match officials.

About You

You are a collaborative and influential leader who is passionate about community sport and participant development. You enjoy working with a diverse range of stakeholders and are motivated by creating positive outcomes for people and organisations.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience leading teams and delivering strategic projects or programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationships management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills
• The ability to manage multiple priorities across a large and geographically dispersed network.
• An understanding of football officiating pathways or the broader football landscape.
• A commitment to creating positive experiences for participants and volunteers.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Sport Management, Business, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Experience working within sporting organisations, member-based organisations or volunteer environments.
• Knowledge of Football Australia's referee framework and officiating pathways.
• Understanding of the football landscape in Queensland.

Why Join Football Queensland?

At Football Queensland, our vision is to make football accessible Anytime, Anywhere. As part of our One Football approach, you 'll play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of officiating and supporting the continued growth of the game throughout Queensland.

We offer:

• The opportunity to influence football statewide.
• A collaborative and passionate team environment.
• Meaningful leadership and stratgic responsibilities.
• The chance to work closely with clubs, referees and football stakeholders across Queensland.
• Current Driver's Licence.
• Working with Children Check (Blue Card).
• Ability to travel throughout Queensland as required.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.

If you're passionate about football, leadership and developing people, we'd love to hear from you.