Early Engagement Manager (EEP) & Pathway Operations Lead

Middlesex County Cricket Club; City Of London; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known sports club in London seeks a dedicated individual to lead its Emerging Player Programme aimed at youth development. The role involves overseeing the planning and management of the programme, ensuring inclusivity and excellence in player development. Ideal candidates will possess coaching qualifications, a track record in youth sports, and strong organizational skills. This role requires flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, and offers a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in youth player development and pathway cricket coaching.
• Demonstrable track record of talent identification and player progression.
• Up to date First Aid and Safeguarding certifications.
• Valid ECB DBS clearance and UK right to work.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and oversee the MCCC EEP Player Programme for boys and girls.
• Drive player recruitment to ensure an inclusive talent pool.
• Manage fixture scheduling and logistics for all MCCC pathway squads.
• Organise travel and accommodation for pathway activities.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a talent identification strategy.

Skills

Youth player development

Talent identification

Programme management

Strong organizational skills

Leadership

Education

ECB Level 2 coaching qualification

ECB Level 3 coaching qualification

Tools

Performance analysis tools

Social media platforms

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Reports to: Player Pathway Manager

Location: Lord's Cricket Ground, London (with travel across Middlesex as required)

Hours: Full-time. Due to the nature of the role, evening, weekend, and Bank Holiday work will be required

Contract Term: Fixed Term - 2 years

Salary: £32,000 per annum

Start Date: November 2025

Overview

Purpose of the Job:

Middlesex County Cricket Club (MCCC) is excited to be strengthening its player development pathway through the introduction of a new Emerging Player Programme (EEP) for boys and girls aged 10-12. The EEP will play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent before players transition into County Age Group (CAG) squads.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised individual to lead the planning, delivery, and management of the EEP, while also providing operational and administrative support across the wider boys' and girls' pathway programmes. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the player experience at a crucial stage in their development.

Main duties

• Programme Leadership
• Design, manage, and oversee the MCCC EEP Player Programme for boys and girls.
• Drive player recruitment, ensuring a broad and inclusive talent pool that reflects Middlesex's diverse communities.
• Oversee the scheduling, booking, and operational management of all EEP coaching and match venues.
• Recruit, coordinate, and support casual coaches delivering EEP sessions across the county.
• Lead on the coaching delivery of sessions where required, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with MCCC's player development philosophy.
• Integrate effective athletic development principles into the EEP to support long-term player growth.
• Pathway Operations & Administration
• Manage fixture scheduling and logistics for all MCCC pathway squads, including liaising with opposition, venues, and the ECB.
• Organise and coordinate travel, accommodation, and related logistics for pathway activities.
• Oversee the procurement and distribution of kits and equipment across the pathway.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with players, parents/guardians, and pathway staff.
• Support the delivery of MCCC's women's and girls' cricket strategy, including the Tier 1 Women and Girls Academy.
• Talent Identification & Development
• Contribute to the design and implementation of a talent identification strategy that prioritises accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ensure players receive individual development plans (IDPs) and high-quality feedback.
• Stay up-to-date with best practice in talent development, attending ECB CPD and pathway events.
• Governance & Safeguarding
• Ensure full compliance with all MCCC policies (including health and safety, safeguarding, and ECB's Safe Hands framework).
• Embed a culture of excellence, equality, diversity, and inclusion across all pathway programme
• Any ad-hoc duties as required

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in youth player development and pathway cricket coaching.
• Demonstrable track record of talent identification and player progression.
• ECB Level 2 coaching qualification (minimum).
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with experience of programme management.
• Up to date First Aid and Safeguarding certifications.
• Valid ECB DBS clearance and UK right to work.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• ECB Level 3 coaching qualification.
• Experience managing multi-site programmes.
• Strong digital and IT skills, including the use of performance analysis tools and social media platforms.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about player development and creating positive sporting experiences.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and support both players and staff.
• Resilient, self-motivated, and able to thrive under pressure.
• Innovative and forward-thinking, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Working arrangements

Due to the nature of the work involved in this position, the employee will be required to work evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. The post holder will be required to carry out their duties at such times and on such days that are the most effective to perform the responsibilities of the position.

Safeguarding and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Safeguarding: Demonstrate, at all times, a commitment to safeguarding children and adults
• Safeguarding: Implement safeguarding policies and procedures within Middlesex Cricket, remaining up to date with relevant training needs
• Safeguarding: Report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with Middlesex Cricket's Safeguarding Reporting Procedure
• EDI: Assist in fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect and equal opportunities for all
• EDI: Actively challenge discrimination and harassment of any kind
• EDI: Help the organisation's EDI goals by taking a proactive stance in creating an inclusive environment

To Apply

• Please note that you will be required to complete and return a Safer Recruitment Application Form if you are shortlisted and invited to interview.
• The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 18th of September 2025.

Please note that due to the volume of applications the Club receives, we are unable to provide specific feedback on unsuccessful applications. All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK, sponsorship for overseas employees cannot be provided for this role.

Middlesex Cricket is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children, young people and adults at risk that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records, vetting checks and the seeking of references. We ensure we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our services.

Middlesex Cricket are equal opportunity employers and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Middlesex Cricket will ensure that all existing and potential employees receive equal consideration, and is committed to the elimination of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of the Equality Act 2010.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Middlesex Cricket aim for its work force, at all levels, to reflect the composition of the City's population. To achieve this MCCC will take active and positive steps to eliminate discrimination, reduce the effects of past discrimination and to promote equality in employment.

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