National Talent Manager – Men's Refereeing (Part-Time)

Organisation: The Football Association
Salary: Competitive
Location: Home-Based
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 10 August 2025
Job Description: The FA is looking for a National Talent Manager to join our Football Operations Team on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE). The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the Men's Refereeing Talent Pathway, creating a Talent ID network that identifies, nurtures, and accelerates high-potential referees and assistant referees across the men's game. This role will collaborate closely with the Senior Manager, Refereeing Progression Pathway and National Referee Managers (responsible for Steps 2-6) to ensure early identification of high-potential referees and provide them with opportunities to progress within the football pyramid. Additionally, the role oversees the technical direction for the FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre to ensure that match officials are prepared to transition into the Professional Game.

What will you be doing?

Talent ID and Pathway Development: Lead the development of the Men's Refereeing talent pathway by creating a Talent ID network to identify and nurture high-potential referees and assistant referees for the FA CORE – men's game programme. Ensure that talent is identified early in collaboration with National Referee Managers and is provided with opportunities to progress through the football pyramid.
Technical Leadership - FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre: Oversee and implement the technical direction for the FA CORE Programme and National Performance Centre to ensure the highest standards of training, education, and development for referees at all levels. Ensure that referees are well-prepared to progress through the pathway and into the professional game.
Collaboration with National Referee Managers, National Talent Manager – Women's Refereeing & Operations team: Work closely with National Referee Managers, National Talent Manager – Women's Refereeing & Operations team, responsible for referee development across Steps 2-6, to ensure early identification of refereeing talent. Collaborate on opportunities to develop these referees within the talent pathway, ensuring they are well-positioned for advancement.
Collaboration with PGMOL: Establish strong working relationships with PGMOL to ensure referees are identified, supported, and prepared to progress into PGMOL development programmes. Ensure that talent identification and progression strategies are aligned to provide referees with the best opportunities to advance into the professional game.
Monitoring and Reporting: Track and report on the progress of FA CORE - Men's game refereeing programmes, identifying key successes and areas for further development. Ensure the programmes remain aligned with The FA's broader strategic objectives.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: In collaboration with the Refereeing EDI Delivery Manager implement initiatives to increase the diversity of men's refereeing, ensuring that the talent pathway is inclusive and accessible to officials from underrepresented groups.
Mentorship and Support: Provide structured mentorship and development support for referees in the talent pathway, preparing them for the challenges of officiating at higher levels and helping to develop their leadership, resilience, and decision-making skills.
Innovation and Education: Utilise innovative learning strategies to improve the educational experience for match officials. Implement digital learning and provide tailored content for men's refereeing development.
Well-being and Professional Support: Ensure the holistic well-being of match officials by providing access to wellbeing resources and creating a supportive environment for referees as they progress through the talent pathway.
Compliance and Safety: Adhere to all FA policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being for match officials and staff.
Additional Responsibilities: Execute additional tasks as required to meet FA Group's changing priorities.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

Experience in Referee Development or Talent Pathways: Proven experience in developing and managing talent identification systems and progression pathways for referees or athletes, with a focus on women's sports.
Strong Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, including PGMOL, CFAs, and other football organisations, to deliver integrated talent programmes.
Leadership in Talent Identification: Experience in identifying and accelerating high-potential referees and officials through structured pathways, particularly in women's football.
Diversity and Inclusion Expertise: Proven track record of leading diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring the participation of underrepresented groups in talent development programmes.
Performance Management: Strong understanding of performance management systems, including match performance, data analysis and feedback processes to drive development and improvement.
Digital and Learning Innovation: Experience in implementing digital learning platforms and innovative educational strategies to enhance referee development.

Beneficial to have:

Experience within the Professional Game: Prior experience as a referee or assistant referee within the professional game, demonstrating a deep understanding of the standards and demands of high level officiating.
International Experience as a Match Official: Experience officiating in international matches, providing a broader perspective on officiating at the highest levels and contributing to the development of referees with global aspirations.
Experience in High-Performance Sport: A strong background in high-performance sport, with a proven track record of working in elite sporting environments to enhance performance and progression.

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well-being.
Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
Free private medical cover.
A contributory pension scheme.
An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.)
A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page, https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
How to apply: https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/national-talent-manager--mens-refereeing-part-time-hb0260-home-based-/2659/description/