National Talent Manager

The Football Association; Wembley; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A national sports organization in Wembley is seeking a part-time National Talent Manager to lead the Men's Refereeing Talent Pathway. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders to identify and nurture refereeing talent, ensuring preparation for progression in the sport while promoting diversity and inclusion. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Event tickets

Free lunches

Private medical cover

Pension scheme

Extra leave days

Flexible hybrid working

Qualifications

• Experience in Referee Development or Talent Pathways.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Men's Refereeing talent pathway.
• Oversee the FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre.
• Work closely with National Referee Managers.

Skills

Referee Development

Stakeholder Management

Leadership in Talent Identification

Diversity and Inclusion

Performance Management

Data Analysis

Digital Learning Platforms

Job description

The FA is seeking a National Talent Manager to join our Football Operations Team on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE). The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the Men's Refereeing Talent Pathway, creating a Talent ID network that identifies, nurtures, and accelerates high-potential referees and assistant referees across the men's game. This role will collaborate closely with the Senior Manager, Refereeing Progression Pathway, and National Referee Managers (responsible for Steps 2-6) to ensure early identification of high-potential referees and provide them with opportunities to progress within the football pyramid. Additionally, the role oversees the technical direction for the FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre to ensure match officials are prepared to transition into the Professional Game.

What will you be doing?

1. Talent ID and Pathway Development: Lead the development of the Men's Refereeing talent pathway by creating a Talent ID network to identify and nurture high-potential referees and assistant referees for the FA CORE – men's game programme. Ensure talent is identified early in collaboration with National Referee Managers and is provided with opportunities to progress through the football pyramid.
2. Technical Leadership - FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre: Oversee and implement the technical direction for the FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre to ensure the highest standards of training, education, and development for referees at all levels. Ensure referees are well-prepared to progress through the pathway and into the professional game.
3. Collaboration with National Referee Managers and the Women's Refereeing & Operations Team: Work closely with National Referee Managers and the Women's Refereeing & Operations team to ensure early identification of refereeing talent and develop opportunities within the pathway for advancement.
4. Collaboration with PGMOL: Establish strong relationships with PGMOL to support referees' progression into development programmes, ensuring alignment of talent identification and progression strategies.
5. Monitoring and Reporting: Track and report on the progress of FA CORE - Men's game refereeing programmes, identifying successes and areas for development, aligning with The FA's strategic objectives.
6. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Implement initiatives to increase diversity in men's refereeing, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for officials from underrepresented groups.
7. Mentorship and Support: Provide mentorship and development support for referees, helping them develop leadership, resilience, and decision-making skills.
8. Innovation and Education: Utilize innovative learning strategies, including digital platforms, to enhance referee education and development.
9. Well-being and Professional Support: Promote the holistic well-being of match officials by providing access to resources and creating a supportive environment.
10. Compliance and Safety: Adhere to FA policies to ensure safety and well-being standards are maintained.
11. Additional Responsibilities: Perform other tasks as required to meet FA priorities.

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• Experience in Referee Development or Talent Pathways, especially in women's sports.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with key football organisations.
• Leadership in talent identification, particularly in women's football.
• Proven experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Knowledge of performance management systems and data analysis.
• Experience with digital learning platforms and innovative educational strategies.

Beneficial:

• Experience as a referee or assistant referee in the professional game.
• International officiating experience.
• Background in high-performance sport environments.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a unique working environment at Wembley National Stadium and St. George's Park, competitive salary, and benefits such as event tickets, free lunches, private medical cover, pension scheme, extra leave days, and flexible hybrid working.

We promote diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. The FA is committed to a safe environment, requiring all employees to complete a DBS check based on their role.