Premier League Stadium Fund Technical Manager (Midlands and East of England)

We currently have a vacancy in the Premier League Stadium Fund for a Technical Manager to support the Stadium Accreditation Programme and to support the assessment of applications to  the Premier League Stadium Fund.

The role will be home-based, although you’ll travel regularly to sites and facilities across the Midlands and surrounding regions and occasionally to our main office, currently in Wembley Stadium, London, as well as other sites as required.
 

The Premier League Stadium Fund (PLSF) provides grants to improve stadium facilities for players, supporters, and officials. It supports over 1,000 clubs, including those in Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, Tiers 1 to 4 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, and clubs promoted to the English Football League (EFL). 

As part of a new Stadium Accreditation Programme, the PLSF also collects data on stadium and facility quality for The FA, offering a comprehensive view of stadiums across the game and ensuring that its investment is targeted effectively. This new digital process, allows clubs to keep track of the works required to their facility, as well as provide them with a live platform to report on any changes or improvement works that are carried out at their stadium. 

By funding stadium improvements, PLSF helps non-league and women’s clubs meet required standards, avoid relegation, achieve promotion, whilst fostering financial sustainability and enhancing their matchday experience. 
 

Whilst the Technical Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of the Fund, they will be employed by the Football Foundation, and therefore it’s important that they understand the wider context – in terms of what we do and how we go about it.

The Football Foundation’s purpose is to transform individual lives and communities by providing people with a great place to play. That’s an inspiring thought – but behind it sits a great team. The Foundation is an independent charity, but has at its heart a collaboration between the Premier League, The Football Association and Sport England. Our role is to facilitate their joint investment into community sports facilities. We do this through partnership working – being part of a team is really important to us.

Together we have ambitious plans and with the recent announcement from the government to invest a further £205 million into grassroots football over the next 3 years, the Football Foundation is well-supported to continue to invest in community pitches and facilities across the nation. 

The PLSF Technical Manager will focus their support on Stadium Accreditation for clubs at Step 1 to 4 of the National League System and Tiers 1 to 4 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, ensuring grounds meet The FA standards within set timeframes. The role involves reviewing technical and construction aspects of grant applications, managing risks, and supporting the successful development of stadium facilities. 

This exciting role offers hands-on experience in the design, development and compliance of stadium facilities. You'll support the PLSF grant giving process and the Stadium Accreditation Programme by working with club representatives in the Midlands and surrounding regions, to ensure grounds meet the requirements set by The FA. The role will also involve reviewing technical and construction elements of grant applications, managing risks, and contributing to the successful development of stadium facilities. 

We’re seeking an enthusiastic, proactive individual that is eager to develop their professional skills. You don’t need to have a passion for football, or an encyclopaedic knowledge of the football pyramid - your technical or construction background is what sets you apart. 

Successful applicants will join an experienced team and develop their experience in both grant management and technical processes. 

You’ll need a construction-related degree (for example, architecture, building surveying, planning, civil engineering, quantity surveying, project management or construction management). You’ll have experience in attending building sites, and of inspecting and monitoring construction processes and quality standards. Experience in sports facility construction is desirable but not essential.

You must also have great people skills and the ability to inspire and engage people at all levels, from clients and suppliers to volunteers, whilst also being confident in planning and overseeing multiple projects from start to finish. You’ll have strong organisational skills and a keen attention to detail with the ability to analyse complex situations and make tough decisions. You’ll be flexible and open to new ways of doing things, including new technologies, so that the Premier League Stadium Fund and the Stadium Accreditation programme continue to improve.

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 

Please note you must hold a current and valid driving licence, have access to a vehicle that complies with road traffic law, is in a safe and roadworthy condition, and is fit for purpose.

For more details about the role and full person specification, please download the recruitment pack. 

The salary band for this role is £39,000 - £47,000 per annum, dependent on relevant skills and experience.

You will start on 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (which increases after 2 years), plus additional time off to volunteer. We also offer a generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution), collective bonus scheme, free health care provision, a monthly gym subsidy, interest-free season ticket loan, death in service benefit and access to selected match tickets

We are committed to helping our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer flexible working around core hours to help achieve that.

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.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview stage, please contact us at jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk

To apply, please follow the steps outlined below:
1.    Please send the following to jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk

• CV
• Cover letter - please highlight briefly and clearly how your skills, abilities and experience equip you for the role, together with your reasons for applying.

The closing date for applications is 9:00am on Thursday 9 January 2025.

1st stage interviews are currently scheduled for 14 and 15 January 2025 with 2nd stage interviews to follow.

Due to the volume of applications received for most roles, the Foundation only contacts candidates if they are shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, you should assume your application has not been successful.

Please note that you must be eligible to work in the UK to apply.