South Wales FA Strategy Manager

Organisation: Football Association of Wales
Salary: £30,000 to £38,000
Location: South Wales - Home-based
Contract type: Fixed Term (Full time)
Closing date: 5 June 2026
Interview date: 29 June 2026
Job Description: In 2023 the Football Association of Wales (FAW) commissioned a review into the 6 Area Associations, this review resulted in 30 recommendations to ensure the Area Associations and grassroots football continue to grow and develop. A key area of focus in these recommendations is around the workforce within the Area Associations, it was recognised how hard the volunteers work and recommended that the FAW funds a full-time role within each Area Association to work alongside the volunteers to drive the associations forward.

The purpose of the role within South Wales FA will be to ensure delivery of the key aims of the FAW strategy at a local level, to support the strategic planning within the Area Association and be part of the process to ensure they are a modern, diverse association working for the benefit of grassroots football.

Key Areas of Accountability or Responsibility

- Build strong relationships with the volunteers across the Area Association ensuring understanding of operational responsibilities and challenges.
- Attendance of evening Area Association meetings as required
- Oversee implementation and regular monitoring and evaluation of the strategy for the South Wales Area Association, including annual implementation plans which will dictate the Strategy Manager’s work programme for the year.
- Support the AA Board to provide an annual update to the FAW to include reporting against the KPI’s, objectives and expenditure of FAW workforce grant.
- Attend quarterly meetings with FAW Regional Development Manager to review and discuss annual operational plan progress.
- Collaborate with FAW departments on behalf of the Board as and when required including Grassroots, Compliance, Football Services Centre, Coach Education, Match Officials and EDI to ensure consistent approach and clear communication across with these areas.
- Identify and secure new commercial opportunities to support the sustainability and development of SWFA grassroots football to deliver agreed growth targets across sponsorship, partnerships and revenue generation.
- Develop, manage, and strengthen strategic partnerships with clubs, leagues, community organisations, and commercial stakeholders, generating measurable value and long-term impact for the grassroots game
- Increase awareness and interest in the work of the Area Associations through effective marketing and communication plans.
- Collaborate with the FAW, Cymru Football Foundation and local authorities to ensure local facilities development is strategically targeted.
- Work with the Area Association management structures to implement best practise governance structures in line with Sport Wales governance framework.
- Supporting Area Association to implement skills-based boards and diversity on decision making bodies.
- Support the Area Association with safe recruitment of volunteers, succession planning and knowledge transfer.
- Create methods of gathering feedback and suggestions from stakeholders particularly from underrepresented groups.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience

Professional expertise and experience in the areas of sports or football development.
Personal experience of grassroots football.
Experience of project and budget management
An understanding of sporting and political landscape, ideally in a Welsh context
Experience of commercial business development, marketing and communications is essential.
Experience of business services and governance structures is advantageous.
Experience of volunteer retention, recruitment, training and support.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Exemplary attention to detail including good planning and organising skills.
Strategic planning including experience of interpreting data and research insight to evidence needs and therefore develop action.
Strong interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills.
Analytical approach to identify gaps and opportunities.
Creative thinker who can shape strategies into tactical solutions.
An innovative approach to developing new income generating opportunities.
Able to work with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders; including fostering collaborative relationships to meet shared outcomes.
Good written and presentation skills.
Highly motivated, resilient and self-directed.
Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, child protection and DBS processes (desirable)

Role Specific Requirements
Given the specific nature of the role and its direct relationship with our volunteer workforce, successful candidates will be expected to regularly work unsociable hours including regular evening meetings.
Any conflict of interests with clubs/leagues/area associations will need to be declared and the successful candidate may be required to relinquish other voluntary responsibilities.
The appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
All employees must provide proof of right to work in the UK.
Spoken and written Welsh are desirable
How to apply: For more information and to apply please see the FAW website - https://faw.cymru/vacancy/south-wales-fa-strategy-manager-2/