The Senior Manager – Progression, Pathways, and Development will be responsible for overseeing the delivery and implementation of progression pathways for match officials across all roles and levels within the National League system (Steps 2 through 6) and Women's Football Pyramid, including Refereeing, Assistant Refereeing, Observing, and Coaching.

This role will also include Futsal and Disability Football, as well as non-active refereeing roles (ie coaching, observing) ensuring comprehensive pathways across the Refereeing landscape to ensure a sustainable pathway is implemented for match officials in The Football Association system.

The primary focus will be on developing and refining structures to enhance referee performance while establishing clear progression and performance management systems to ensure match officials receive the necessary support to excel and advance in their roles. The Senior Manager will also place significant emphasis on the well-being of referees, ensuring a holistic approach to their professional and personal development, across all areas of the game.

What will you be doing?

• Pathway Design and Implementation: Oversee referee progression pathways to ensure clear opportunities for match officials at all levels to grow and advance within the refereeing pyramid, aligning these pathways with the strategic objectives of the FA Refereeing Department.


• Maintain Standards: Oversee the performance management process to ensure the retention of the best possible match officials at each level of the semi-professional game, supporting the development and progression of top talent.


• Match Official and Workforce Well-Being: Ensure that referees across the National League system are supported holistically, focusing on their well-being and mental resilience. Develop programmes that provide not only technical support but also emotional and psychological resources to help referees manage the demands of their roles.


• Progression and Development of Referees: Oversee the ongoing development of match officials by providing high-quality training, education, and mentorship. Ensure that referees are supported through regular assessments and feedback loops, enabling them to move through the pyramid with clear direction.


• ED&I Initiatives: in conjunction with the EDI Delivery Manager - lead initiatives to create inclusive progression pathways, with a specific focus on increasing participation and progression of referees from underrepresented groups, and referees with a disability


• Performance Monitoring and Feedback: Oversee the monitoring of referee performance, ensuring feedback is provided constructively to support ongoing development. Ensure the progression pathways are informed by data and performance trends, adapting where necessary to foster improvement.


• Drive Innovation Learning: Implement a variety of learning and development models, including face-to-face, virtual, and e-learning opportunities, to meet the diverse needs of referees. Ensure these programmes are easily accessible and tailored to the needs of officials at different stages of their careers.


• Holistic Workforce Support: Implement a comprehensive support structure for referees and match officials, focusing not only on skill development but also on work-life balance, mental health, and resilience. Provide resources and programmes to ensure that referees feel valued and supported in all aspects of their professional journey.


• Collaboration with Head of Referee Development & Head of Referee Operations: Work closely with the Head of Referee Development & Head of Referee Operations to ensure alignment with the FA Refereeing Strategy and ensure the pathway is open to all match officials while ensuring an enhanced standard across the football pyramid.


• Executes additional tasks as required in order to meet FA Group's changing priorities.


• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and well-being can be maintained.


• As part of The FA'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.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• Proven Leadership in Pathway Development: Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing career progression systems, with a focus on operational delivery and staff management within sports or similar fields.


• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with the Head of Referee Development, County FAs, leagues, and other key stakeholders without overlapping in strategic responsibilities.


• Well-being and Support Initiatives: Experience in developing programmes that address the well-being and resilience of a workforce, ensuring that referees feel supported both on and off the field.


• Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity: Proven ability to lead initiatives aimed at increasing participation and progression from underrepresented groups, ensuring that all pathways promote fairness and equity.


• Digital Proficiency: Strong proficiency in the use of digital platforms for education, e-learning, and virtual development programmes.


• Mentoring and Feedback: Excellent communication and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance to referees at all levels.

Beneficial to have:

• Experience in Refereeing, Coaching, or Playing: Proven experience in holistic people development in football or another sport, with a deep understanding of talent development and progression pathways.


• Experience in Sports Organisations or Governing Bodies: Experience working with County FAs or similar organisations in football, or other sports governing bodies, with a focus on referee or talent development.

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and wellbeing.


• Free, nutritious lunches, at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.


• Free private medical cover.


• A contributory pension scheme.


• An additional Thank You days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave.


• A hybrid working model offering greater flexibility.