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The Football Association

County FA Regional Manager - South Region

Hybrid

England, United kingdom

Freelance

22-01-2026

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Skills

Leadership Customer Service Research Coaching Risk Evaluation Marketing HR Management Recruitment business development

Job Specifications

The Football Association has an exciting opportunity within our County FA network for a Regional Manager in the South UK Region.

The purpose of the Regional Manager is to:

Be the relationship and contract manager between The FA and County FAs (CFAs), always acting as an FA ambassador.
To drive CFA business improvement including strategic and operational planning, workforce structures, performance management, corporate governance, financial management, facility development, customer service excellence, marketing & communications, commercial, football development and football services.
To lead implementation of The FA's Grassroots Football Strategy, and other strategic plans that are in place from time to time, and support CFAs in the creation of effective local action plans to achieve their targets, ensuring contractual obligations are delivered.
To work closely with the Grassroots 2040 core team and be integrally involved in working with CFAs on the implementation of Grassroots 2040.

The role will have flexible working locations with the expectation of regular travel within the region.

What will you be doing?

Within a designated region (south - see attached map and County FA list below for further details outlining the southern region);

Ensure County FAs have clear, effective strategies and action plans in place to deliver their key performance indicators (KPIs) and other targets as defined in The FA Grassroots Football Strategy or other strategic plans that are in place from time to time.
Co-ordinate the business planning process and allocation of financial distributions into County FAs through the reviews taking place throughout each season.
Communicate clearly and effectively with County FAs and drive adherence to the communications framework.
Support the implementation and ongoing compliance of Safeguarding 365 Standard, the Code of Governance for County FAs, Financial Operating Guidance and other standards/models that are in place from time to time.
Performance manage County FAs against their business strategies, operational plans and KPI progress.
Support County FAs in:
Recruiting, retaining and developing excellent people who are proud to serve the game.
Using research, insight and measurement to understand their stakeholders and location to aid decision making and delivery.
Building a strong financial and commercial base to ensure sustainability.
Creating effective leadership and governance structures to meet modern-day challenges.
Personally, provide excellent service levels to County FAs; responding to communications / requests for support and embedding a culture of customer excellence.
Champion the perspective of County FAs and delivery partners across The FA and with key partners, elevating their profile and the recognition of the work undertaken at local level.
Support County FAs to implement effective performance management systems, including the recruitment, retention and development of staff and volunteers and create a culture of high performance.
Prioritise time spent in County FAs through a risk evaluation process, ensuring that time is spent as effectively as possible, dealing with conflict and managing change.
Build a culture of trust between the County FAs and The FA.
Drive a culture of continuous improvement, aligned with The FA Grassroots Football Strategy.
Support the implementation of the County FA Operation Model and any future model developed.
Execute additional tasks as required to meet FA Group changing priorities.
Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Business / Sport development qualification.
Strong influencing skills in the areas of strategy and policy.
Experience of FA programmes and grassroots football.
Track record of creating effective, detailed business strategies to achieve a range of outcomes.
Previous line management of team members.
Success in leading transformational change programmes.
Broad business development skills covering the areas of people, service, standards, compliance, governance and finance.
Experience in developing successful partnerships and attracting investment.
Ability to gain buy-in to equality objectives.
Strategic management, policy implementation and business improvement experience.
Ability to evaluate risk, manage conflict and oversee change.
Experience achieving results through performance management.
Relationship management skills through coaching and mentoring.
Valid UK driver's license.

Beneficial to have:

Knowledge of the FA Grassroots Football Strategy.
Knowledge of financial and HR management.
CEO and/or regional management experience.
History of working in partnership with County FAs.
Understanding of the political and functional workings of Local Authorities, Sport England and other partners.
Experience in shared service models.
Health and safety skills / qualification.
Project

About the Company

Here at The FA we are responsible for overseeing, promoting and developing English football at all levels, from grassroots through to the professional game. We have big ambitions. Some of our objectives include ensuring that The Emirates FA cup remains the world's premier cup competition, that Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park continue to be world-class venues, and that success is achieved with each of our 24 national sides. The shared values, vision and pride of our people is central to our success. We are growing a t... Know more