Senior Leadership and Workforce Development Programmes Manager

About the Opportunity

The Premier League is not just about the action on the pitch; we are deeply committed to nurturing the talent and leadership that drives the sport forward. Our dedicated Football Development team plays a pivotal role in this, delivering strategic plans aimed at cultivating the very best Players, Coaches, Staff, and Match Officials. To support this vital mission and empower the next generation of leaders within the Academy system, we are searching for an exceptional individual to join us.

The Heart of the Role: Shaping Future Leaders

As our Senior Leadership & Workforce Development Programmes Manager, you will be instrumental in defining and delivering world-class professional development experiences. You’ll be the architect behind programmes that empower football leaders and multidisciplinary staff across the Academy system. Working closely with the LWD team, your focus will be on fostering optimal leadership diversity, emergence, effectiveness, and influence throughout the sport.

Leading Programme Strategy, Design & Quality

You will take the lead on developing the strategic vision and philosophy for LWD programmes alongside the Head of LWD, setting a world-leading standard grounded in best practice. This involves spearheading the design and development of core programmes, ensuring they are perfectly tailored for elite football leaders through continuous needs analysis. A critical element is the rigorous quality assurance process – you’ll audit content, delivery modes, and effectiveness, ensuring academic rigour balances seamlessly with practical relevance. You will establish benchmarks and improvement processes to guarantee our offerings remain unparalleled.

Expert Programme Management & Delivery

Collaboration is key. You will work hand-in-hand with the LWD Operations Manager to ensure the flawless management and delivery of all programmes. This includes managing a network of expert consultant Programme Leads and recruiting the best talent to deliver cutting-edge content that meets emerging needs. Building and nurturing strong relationships with crucial stakeholders – including Academy Managers, consultants, Mentors, Premier League staff, the FA, LMA, PFA, EFL, and academic partners – is vital. You’ll also partner internally to ensure LWD initiatives are fully aligned with the broader Premier League objectives and values.

Elevating Leadership & Workforce Development

You will be a primary source of expertise, offering insightful advice, guidance, and constructive challenge to continuously enhance leadership learning across the League. Your vision will drive a co-ordinated, connected, and innovative educational approach that sets a benchmark for the sector and directly contributes to Premier League outcomes. Embracing the future, you will support the implementation of the Football Development digital learning strategy, ensuring world-leading digital provision. Identifying and promoting high-quality external learning opportunities will be part of this. Crucially, you will champion diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, ensuring these principles are woven into the fabric of every learning innovation, aligning with the Premier League Statement of Principles.

What You’ll Bring to the Team

We are looking for a leader with a strong academic background and significant practitioner experience, ideally within leadership development or management. Your expertise should be both extensive and cutting-edge, with a deep understanding of the field, preferably in elite sport. You’ll have a proven track record in designing and delivering innovative leadership development programmes, including successful blended and digital learning solutions. Experience managing quality assurance mechanisms is essential. While not mandatory, industry experience or an in-depth understanding of football or elite sport is highly desirable. Experience promoting diversity and inclusion within a leadership development context is also key. Operationally, you should demonstrate strong organisational skills, the ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholders and projects, and a track record of managing others and delegating efficiently. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are a must. We value a proactive, independent, and solutions-focused approach, coupled with self-awareness, curiosity, and a willingness to seek feedback. You’ll possess the confidence to interact professionally with senior figures and be a self-motivated team player who understands the power of collaboration.

Why the Premier League?

Working at the Premier League means being at the heart of one of the world’s most exciting sports. You’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of football by developing the leaders who will shape the game for years to come. Join a passionate team committed to excellence, innovation, and fostering a truly inclusive environment.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding and Inclusion

The Premier League is dedicated to creating a safe environment. Our safeguarding commitment includes robust safer recruitment procedures for roles involving children and at-risk adults. For more details, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Guidance. We are also committed to removing barriers in our recruitment process. If you have a disability and require alternative formats or adjustments for the interview process, please contact us directly at recruitment@premierleague.com.

Ready to Apply?

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and contribute to the future of football leadership, please visit our careers page. Submit your application, including your CV and a cover letter, by the closing date of 1 July 2025.

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