Head of Community Football & Talent Pathways

EFL; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust is seeking a Head of Community Football to lead its football development, participation and talent pathways. You will shape strategy, manage budgets, oversee staff and build strong partnerships with Blackburn Rovers FC, funders and community partners.

The role requires senior leadership experience, safeguarding knowledge and a strong track record in programme quality and growth. A drive for inclusive participation and sustainable funding will be essential.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a senior football development or community sport leadership role.
• Experience in leading, managing and developing staff with performance management.
• Track record in designing and delivering football programmes at scale to raise participation and quality.
• Strong knowledge of community football, player development, inclusive participation and coaching.
• Experience in managing budgets, forecasting, income targets and resources.
• Experience setting KPIs and producing high-quality reports for senior stakeholders.
• Experience building strategic partnerships and representing an organisation with leaders.
• Experience in business development, income generation and funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of BRCT's Community Football strategy with annual plans and measurable outcomes.
• Provide senior expert advice to Executive teams and contribute to organisational planning.
• Own performance, quality, growth and sustainability of the Community Football portfolio.
• Oversee service planning, workforce planning and resource allocation balancing quality and value.
• Identify risks and opportunities in community football and respond proactively.
• Represent Community Football at senior meetings and provide evidence-based updates.
• Oversee football programmes ensuring high standards across delivery and safeguarding.
• Lead coaching philosophy and curriculum with inclusive, age-appropriate practice.
• Create clear pathways from first engagement to talent opportunities and link into wider football structures.
• Lead quality assurance through observations, audits and improvement plans.
• Maintain visibility into delivery and delegate day-to-day coordination.
• Provide effective leadership to Community Football staff and define performance standards.
• Lead recruitment, induction, deployment, retention, supervision and performance management.
• Develop workforce CPD plans to strengthen coaching quality and succession.
• Foster an inclusive culture and appropriate staffing structures for safety.
• Manage budgets, forecasts and controls; drive earned income opportunities.
• Develop funding, sponsorship and partnerships and contribute to bids and business cases.
• Collaborate to price, capacity and growth models based on demand and financials.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Financial & budgeting

Stakeholder management

Data analysis & reporting

Governance & risk

Communication

Programme development

Education

UEFA B Licence

FA Safeguarding qualification

FA First Aid qualification

UEFA A Licence (in progress)

Degree in Sports Development/Coaching/Management

Full UK driving licence

Leadership qualification

Additional FA qualifications (inclusive football)

Tools

Salesforce

Monitoring & evaluation systems

MS Office

Data management

Job description

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust is seeking a Head of Community Football to lead its football development, participation and talent pathways. You will shape strategy, manage budgets, oversee staff and build strong partnerships with Blackburn Rovers FC, funders and community partners.

The role requires senior leadership experience, safeguarding knowledge and a strong track record in programme quality and growth. A drive for inclusive participation and sustainable funding will be essential.