We are looking to recruit a dedicated Referee Development Officer on a full-time, permanent contract. The role is responsible for leading the development, support and progression of referees across Sussex, ensuring match officials feel valued, engaged, and equipped to deliver safe, high‑quality matchday experiences at every level of the game.
The postholder will shape the county's refereeing priorities and contribute to the overall delivery of the Grassroots Football Strategy.
With an increased focus on inclusion pathways, targeted recruitment, and referee wellbeing, and new digital systems to streamline referee availability, it is an exciting time to join a team helping to shape the future of officiating in Sussex.
The Referee Development Officer will lead the county's end‑to‑end referee development framework, including recruitment, conversion, progression pathways, retention, stakeholder engagement, and the overall delivery of high‑quality support services for referees. The postholder will maintain compliance with FA regulations and safeguarding standards.
To join the team and be successful, the individual must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and how their expertise aligns with the essential and desirable criteria. They will demonstrate professionalism, commitment to development, and a passion for supporting referees. The successful applicant will report to the Football Development Manager.
Applicants should have experience within football development, refereeing, coaching or sports development, together with experience as a qualified football referee. They must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as required. A full role profile, including essential and desirable skills, can be found below.
We are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk, and anyone working with us will be required to have follow our safeguarding policies.
Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.
What can we offer?
* An exciting opportunity to join a forward thinking, progressive business
* A chance to work with key stakeholders within the grassroots and professional game
* A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
* A Workplace Pension Scheme
* A Personal Accident policy
* Additional leave after 5, 10 years' service
* Flexible working hours
* Long Service Awards for 10, 15, 20 years' service
* Health Scheme
* Multi Faith Prayer Room available
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to FA Cup Final & England tickets at Wembley
* Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
* Personal Development Budgets
* Free Nike Staff Uniform every year
The role involves working 35 hours per week including some evening and weekend work as required.
The salary range for the position is £24,000 to £28,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Either email your completed application to or post it to the following address:
Strictly Private & Confidential
Vicki Windslow
Referee Development Officer Vacancy
Sussex County FA
Culver Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9AX
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 9 March 2026, with interviews held on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Disability Confident
We pride ourselves on being an employer committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout our recruitment and selection process. We have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Equality Statement
We believe that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. We are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,000.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in West Sussex, BN15 9AX
Application deadline: 09/03/2026