Senior Programme Manager
Location: Remote, but with regular visits to Foundation funded sites within a defined region, as well as visits to the Foundation office as determined by business needs, including attendance at quarterly Squad Meet-Ups
Salary: £52,000-£57,000 (dependent on skills and experience) plus generous benefits
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you passionate about using sport to transform communities? Do you have the leadership skills to drive sustainable grassroots sports facilities? If so, this role is for you.
The Senior Programme Manager at the Football Foundation will lead the delivery of the Hubs programme, a flagship initiative funded by the Premier League, The FA, and Government. The programme is transforming grassroots sports infrastructure by creating financially sustainable facilities that serve as thriving community hubs. These multi-pitch sites don’t just provide high-quality football facilities—they also support other sports, physical activity, and essential community services, all tailored to local needs. Outside of the Hubs programme, the role will lead and provide support to the Programmes team and wider organisation on the design and development of new and existing programmes, ensuring that they deliver against the Football Foundation’s strategic objectives.
As Senior Programme Manager you will:
- Manage feasibility assessments to prioritise sites based on sustainability and impact.
- Work with technical teams to optimise hub design, balancing costs and long-term viability.
- Develop operating models with Local Authorities to secure long-term investment.
- Guide Local Authorities through procurement and funding applications.
- Use data insights to refine programme criteria and showcase impact.
- Lead new programme development to align with strategic objectives.
For more details about the role, please download the recruitment pack.
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be a football expert, but you must believe in the power of sport to transform communities. We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience in programme management, strategic planning, and partnership development.
- Can navigate complex stakeholder relationships, particularly with Local Authorities and funding bodies.
- Understands financial sustainability models and their role in community sports facilities.
- Has strong leadership skills and can drive collaboration across teams.
- Is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality grassroots sports facilities.
What can we offer you?
The salary band for this role is £52,000 - £57,000 per annum. You’ll start with 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing after 2 years), and additional time off for volunteering. Benefits include an 8% employer pension contribution, free healthcare, gym subsidy, death in service benefit, and access to match tickets.
Equality and Diversity Commitment
The Football Foundation is committed to, and values the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community.
Most of all we want someone who reflects who we are as an organisation. We refer to our values as our four corners:
- Fair Players – open and inclusive in our approach
- Star Performers – trusted to deliver
- United Team Player – collaborative and easy to work with
- Passionate Supporters – flexible and willing
1st stage interviews via MS Teams are currently scheduled for 4 April 2025
2nd stage in person interviews to follow.