Strategic Programmes Manager - Football

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Football Association is looking for a Strategic Programme Manager to lead initiatives in the Women's Professional Game. This role focuses on strategic planning, development, and execution aligned with the organization's football development strategy to ensure impactful programmes that foster the growth and quality of women's football.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic planning and program management, ideally in sport.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to influence at senior levels.
• Deep understanding of the football landscape including governance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and oversee the implementation of football strategic programmes.
• Manage a portfolio of high-impact projects across football development.
• Present regular updates to the executive team on progress, risks, and outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Presentation skills

Multitasking

Education

Experience in strategic planning

Background in football administration or similar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Women's Super League Football has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Programme Manager who will lead the planning, development and execution of key initiatives across the football development strategy for the Women's Professional Game. The role ensures that programmes are delivered effectively, align with long term objectives and drive measurable impact in areas relating to football policy and development as the game continues to evolve.

What will you be doing?

• Design, develop and oversees the implementation of football strategic programmes that support the organisations football strategy, to be the most competition, compelling and entertaining women's football competition in the world.
• Manage a portfolio of high impact projects across football development and regulation, policy development and the women's and girls talent programme in club environments
• Serve as a central point of contact between internal teams, leadership and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery of strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain programme governance structures, ensuring clear accountability, reporting and performance tracking
• Present regular updates to executive team and leadership on progress, risks and outcomes and prepare materials for Board and Shareholder consultation.
• Promote a culture of innovation, impact and continuous improvement
• Execute additional tasks as required to meet changing priorities of an evolving business.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained.
• As part of WPLL's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of check required will be based in the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

LIVING THE VALUES THROUGH OUR BEHAVIOURS:

• FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME - Every decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.
• GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES - We have the relentless drive to keep the women's game, growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously rewrite the playbook.
• FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHER - We move as one - lifting each other up and having each other's backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans, and communities to achieve greatness.
• CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH - We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
• PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW - Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• Proven experience in strategic planning and program management, ideally in sport, entertainment or a high performance environment
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to influence at senior levels
• Deep understanding of football landscape including governance
• Excellent project and program management capabilities and a track record of delivering complex, cross functional initiatives
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment meeting strict deadlines
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and adapt to demands of the wider department and business
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office, Power point and databases

Beneficial to have:

• Background in football administration, consultancy or similar strategic role in sport
• Familiarity with sustainability, equality or innovation initiatives in sport.
• Experience of working with governing bodies and football clubs

Please note that the Women's Super League Football office is based in Farringdon in Central London. To find out more details about the organisation, please click here to be directed to the Women's Super League Football website.

Women's Super League Football welcomes applications from everyone. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the Women's Super League Football's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.