The Position:

Reporting to the COO, the Senior Strategy Manager will be involved in supporting the delivery of the FAI Strategy 2022-2025. Working with a variety of key stakeholders, including Senior Leadership Team, Staff, Leagues, Clubs, Sport Ireland and UEFA the person will be expected to shape the long-term direction of the Association by carrying out in-depth analyses of current and potential football growth strategies. The role will support senior leaders to develop business plans aligned with the FAI Strategy to include business cases, priorities and KPI’s in line with budget and workforce planning processes and provide regular performances reports against objectives, associated risks and growth opportunities for a variety of audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Work with departments to develop business plans aligned to the FAI’s #WeAreOne Strategy 2022-2025 (e.g. League of Ireland, Women’s Football)


• Work with the wider Strategy team and heads of department on departmental strategies and priority projects (e.g. Facilities Investment Vision and Strategy)


• Manage and consolidate reports for Board on behalf of the CEO and COO


• Liaise with senior internal and external stakeholders in the development of future FAI organisational strategies


• Evaluate new opportunities for Irish football and develop business cases


• Proactive identification of research opportunities to drive growth across participation and revenue streams


• Lead on the narrative and design of presentations for senior stakeholders for both internal and external audiences

Project Management

• Work closely with divisions to track execution of business plans and associated risks in line with priorities and KPI’s


• Drive and oversee the progress of key strategic projects


• Support on cross-functional programmes (e.g., culture transformation, commercial growth, research projects) that require project planning and delivery support


• Analyse, monitor and investigate sporting trends, regulatory changes and other developments generating business insights and intelligence reports for Board, Senior Leadership and other stakeholders


• Identify, manage and report strategic risks, generating reports for the FAI Board and Committees

Other

• Manage and maintain a motivated and focused strategy team


• Provide insight and suggest improvements to existing business processes and workflows


• Take an active role in fostering internal and external relationships that can present opportunities for the association (e.g. Government, UEFA, FIFA)


• Special Projects: Provide support for special projects, as required

THE PERSON:

The successful candidate will have the following:

Experience & knowledge

• 3+ years experience in a Strategy/consultant role


• Experience managing a team and direct reports


• A track record in developing successful strategic plans for sports organisations with proven results to grow the sport.


• Degree in business/related field, or relevant professional experience


• Good knowledge and experience in strategy development with experience of best-practice methodologies and tools


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data to senior stakeholders


• Self-directed and driven to deliver results


• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating in fast-paced environments


• A track record of effective influence and interaction at senior level.


• A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement


• Ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive manner


• A passion for football and understanding of the football and wider sporting landscape

Key Skills Required

• Articulate with excellent interpersonal skills – ability to establish credibility with senior management


• Team player with ability to work in a multi-stakeholder environment


• Comfortable with complex or ambiguous data and situations


• Strong project management and work prioritisation skills


• Strong leadership skills


• Business case development and scenario modelling skills


• Excellent Excel & PowerPoint skills


• Excellent report writing and presentation skills for senior audiences


• Analytical rigor and attention to detail