The FA is looking for a Head of Referee Development to act as strategic owner of the FA Refereeing Strategy 2035, ensuring delivery against all key aims and targets.
Working in partnership with the Head of Referee Operations, you will be responsible for the day-to-day function and performance of the FA Refereeing department, and lead all technical and development matters for FA Refereeing in collaboration with key stakeholders across the football community.
This vacancy is being managed exclusively by Executives in Sport Group. All enquiries, applications, and referrals must be directed to. Please do not contact the Football Association directly.
What will you be doing?
1. Day-to-day management of the Referee Development team – overseeing core programmes and activities across talent and referee development, grassroots experience, and development of a digital ecosystem for refereeing.
2. Deliver the FA Refereeing Strategy 2035 with specific focus on the digital ecosystem, grassroots infrastructure, and talent pathways.
3. Strategic lead on all aspects of training, education, development, and support for referees at Steps 2 – 6 of the National League System (circa 2,500 match officials).
4. Provide management, direction, and strategic lead for the FA CORE programme (circa 600 referees and 70 coaches).
5. Oversee the development of a digital ecosystem for refereeing that provides a centralised appointments and administration system, an on-demand education platform, and expanded online learning resources to support referees at all levels of the game.
6. Strategic ownership of the women's development pathway – identifying emerging talent with the potential to move into the professional game.
7. Maintain positive relationships with the football stakeholder community – Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), Football League, Premier League, Women's Super League & WSL2, National League System, Players Football Association, League Managers Association, UEFA, FIFA, and County FA network.
8. Supporting and collaborating with refereeing diversity and inclusion partners on a range of topics which supports referees from historically underrepresented groups.
9. Maintain positive and collaborative relations with PGMO to work in partnership for the ongoing improvement of refereeing standards in England.
10. Provide technical and developmental feedback to clubs and leagues on referee performance related issues.
11. Provide tangible support to the network of County FA Referee Officers in order to enhance the ongoing recruitment, retention, and development of referees in England.
12. Strategic ownership of the development of our volunteer & support workforce – coaches, mentors, and observers.
13. Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
14. Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
15. 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.
What are we looking for?
Essential for the role:
16. Strong leadership, management, and communication skills.
17. Experienced educator with a proven track record of developing others.
18. Highly skilled facilitator with the ability to build and deliver development programmes and workshops (in person and online).
19. Proven track record of developing learning curriculums and pathways.
20. Knowledge of barriers to inclusion and progression for women, ethnic minorities, and disabled people in refereeing.
21. Ability to influence a diverse set of stakeholders including volunteers.
22. Strong relationship management with knowledge of key referee and football stakeholder community an advantage.
Beneficial to have:
23. Experience as a referee or assistant referee or similar officiating experience in sport.
24. Understanding and experience of the international referee landscape and or environment.
25. Knowledge of refereeing pyramid and promotional pathways and opportunities.
26. Knowledge of the FA CORE structure – regions, leaders, referees, and programme.
27. Knowledge of the Elite Referee Development Plan (ERDP) and how the FA works to support it.
28. Comprehensive knowledge of the National League System and supply pool structure at Steps 3–6.
29. Understanding of grassroots football.
30. Understanding of how CFAs and Leagues recruit and administer referees.
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:
31. 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.
32. Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
33. Free private medical cover.
34. A contributory pension scheme.
35. An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.)
36. 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,
Currently, we are working within a hybrid working model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as and when required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. We will continue to monitor this model, and it may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page.
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.