Strategic Programmes Manager - Football

DFL; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Women's Super League Football is seeking a Strategic Programme Manager who will coordinate initiatives enhancing football development strategies. This pivotal role involves managing high-impact projects, engaging stakeholders effectively, and driving measurable impact across women's football. Candidates should bring extensive experience in strategic planning, project management, and a deep understanding of the football ecosystem, alongside strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic planning and program management, ideally in sport.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to influence at senior levels.
• Excellent project management capabilities with complex initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and development of football strategic programmes.
• Manage high-impact projects across football development and regulation.
• Serve as a contact for alignment with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

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?

1. Design, develop, and oversee the implementation of football strategic programmes that support the organisation's football strategy, aiming to make it the most competitive, compelling, and entertaining women's football competition in the world.
2. Manage a portfolio of high-impact projects across football development, regulation, policy development, and the women's and girls' talent programme in club environments.
3. Serve as a central point of contact between internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery of strategic objectives.
4. Develop and maintain programme governance structures, ensuring clear accountability, reporting, and performance tracking.
5. Present regular updates to the executive team and leadership on progress, risks, and outcomes, and prepare materials for Board and Shareholder consultation.
6. Promote a culture of innovation, impact, and continuous improvement.
7. Execute additional tasks as required to meet changing priorities of an evolving business.
8. Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing are maintained.
9. As part of WPLL's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, all employees will be required to complete a DBS check, with the level of check based on 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 women's football growing and reaching for more. We 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. 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 careers and beyond.
• Put fans in the front row - Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We aim to 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 the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Deep understanding of the football landscape, including governance.
• Excellent project and program management capabilities with a track record of delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and meet strict deadlines.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and adapt to the demands of the wider department and business.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and databases.

Beneficial to have:

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

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

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

As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, all employees will be required to complete a DBS check, with the level of check based on the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.