Interim Chief Executive Officer

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

Lead a 140-year-old county FA through its next chapter, and help secure a thriving local game for generations to come.

Suffolk County Football Association is appointing an Interim Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through an important period of change.

As the not-for-profit governing body for football in the county, Suffolk FA supports the clubs, players, coaches, referees and volunteers who make grassroots football happen. Its work reaches more than 330 clubs and 1,800 teams, covering players of all ages and abilities.

The FA has proposed strategic changes for 2028 to 2029, with a greater emphasis on local sustainability and commercial viability. Under new Board leadership, Suffolk FA wants to use this moment to look carefully at how it operates and make the changes needed to secure its future. The Interim CEO will lead that work. There is genuine scope to shape the organisation’s structure, review its premises and services, and develop partnerships that bring new income and support into football across Suffolk.

This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced charity or not-for-profit leader who combines strong governance, commercial acumen and a real ability to lead people through change. The decisions made during this appointment will help determine how the County FA serves its communities in the years ahead.

The impact you’ll make

• Lead the day-to-day running of Suffolk County FA, taking responsibility for delivering the Business Strategy 2024–2028 and shaping the organisation’s strategic direction and culture.
• Lead the review of how the organisation operates, including its structure, premises and services, so that it is well placed for the changes ahead.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategies, growing revenue streams and building partnerships that sustain and expand the charity’s community impact.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and grassroots football, building strong relationships with The FA, partners, funders, stakeholders and local communities.
• Serve as Senior Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding is embedded across Suffolk County FA and grassroots football in line with The FA’s Safeguarding 365 requirements.
• Uphold the highest standards of governance, working closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees and ensuring compliance with FA rules, The FA’s Code of Governance, and charity and company law.
• Lead and develop the Senior Leadership Team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture and a positive experience for staff.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, managing budgets, resources and risk so that the organisation operates on sound financial principles.
• Champion a service-led culture, giving volunteers, clubs and participants the best possible experience, and supporting the adoption of FA technology systems across grassroots football.
• Drive equality, diversity and inclusion, so that football in Suffolk is a welcoming experience for everyone.

What’s in it for you?

• A chance to lead a respected county FA at a defining moment, with decisions that will shape its future well beyond the interim period.
• Genuine scope to influence the organisation’s structure, services and partnerships, rather than simply maintaining the status quo.
• A close working relationship with a new Chair and Board who are committed to securing the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
• The opportunity to make a visible difference to grassroots football across more than 330 clubs and 1,800 teams.
• A role at the heart of the county’s football community, building on more than 140 years of heritage.
• The chance to apply your charity, governance and change leadership experience in a purpose-led sporting environment.

Your skills and experience

• 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.

The role is based at the County FA’s headquarters, Bill Steward House in Stowmarket, and is 35 hours per week. The appointment is subject to a DBS check and a Companies House and Charity Commission disqualification check.

All information supplied is anonymous and will not be viewed by recruiting managers.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback to unsuccessful applicants.