Interim CEO: Lead Grassroots Football & Growth

Suffolk County Football Association; Stowmarket; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Football Association is seeking an Interim Chief Executive Officer to guide the county’s football governance through a pivotal period, shaping strategy, operations and culture. The role demands an experienced charity or not-for-profit leader with strong governance, commercial acumen and the ability to lead people through change.

The Interim CEO will work with the new Chair and Board to review structures, premises and services and to build partnerships that generate sustainable

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent qualification in business, finance or law, with substantial experience in business and people management.
• Experience of managing and leading not-for-profit or charitable organisations, including working with volunteers.
• A proven track record of leading organisations through transformation and change, and delivering strategic objectives.
• A working knowledge of good governance, including the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2022 and Charity Commission regulations and guidance.
• A good understanding of duties relating to staff and volunteers, including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection, and how these translate into best practice.
• Financial and commercial competence, with a proven ability to establish and monitor financial control systems and manage risk.
• Inspirational leadership and people management, including staff development, mentoring, team building and managing conflict.
• The ability to influence at all levels and to engage a wide range of stakeholders to build sustainable partnerships.
• The confidence to speak fluently to diverse groups, including the media, and to make strategic decisions in a fast-paced, stakeholder-intensive environment.
• Experience in sport and/or football.
• An understanding of employment law.
• Knowledge of building regulations, risk assessment and risk management.
• A valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of Suffolk County FA, delivering the Business Strategy 2024–2028 and shaping strategy and culture.
• Lead the review of how the organisation operates, including structure, premises and services.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategies, growing revenue streams and building partnerships.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and grassroots football, engaging with The FA, partners and communities.
• Serve as Senior Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding is embedded across Suffolk County FA.
• Uphold governance standards, ensuring compliance with FA rules and charity law.
• Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team, fostering an inclusive culture.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, budgeting, resources and risk management.
• Champion a service-led culture, supporting volunteers and adoption of FA technology across grassroots football.
• Drive equality, diversity and inclusion in Suffolk football.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance

Strategic thinking

People management

Change management

Communication

Education

Business/Finance/Law degree

Job description

Suffolk County Football Association is seeking an Interim Chief Executive Officer to guide the county’s football governance through a pivotal period, shaping strategy, operations and culture. The role demands an experienced charity or not-for-profit leader with strong governance, commercial acumen and the ability to lead people through change.

The Interim CEO will work with the new Chair and Board to review structures, premises and services and to build partnerships that generate sustainable