National Competitions Manager

The RFU has recently launched Plan 2030: ‘More Than A Game’, which is our strategy to grow rugby across England for the next five years. Our strategy contains four big goals that support and connect to one another – Play, Perform, Follow and Fund. In ‘Play’ we’re aiming to have an additional 50,000 registered players and have more people playing rugby for longer. Central to this ambition is a transformation in how the RFU enables and delivers community rugby. This includes the creation of seven Regional Growth Partnership Boards, responsible for driving participation, developing and sustaining strategic partnerships, sharing best practice, and unlocking funding and investment to increase opportunities for new and existing players within clubs and community settings.

An important part of the role will be working in collaboration with volunteers and within identified governance structures, driving the highest standards of competitions operations, streamlining regulations, and working effectively and efficiently to shape, manage and deliver RFU priority competitions or events to grow or sustain match volume and completion. Key in helping keep players playing for longer will be to develop and engage various stakeholders including RFU Council Members, competition organising committees, constituent bodies, regions, clubs, coaches, match officials and players to develop and embed regional competition plans.

The Rugby Development division aims to get more people playing rugby and keep them playing for longer, supporting the RFU purpose “to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union and develop the sport for future generations”. This role sits within the Game Development Team, who are responsible for workforce training, coaching, officiating and player welfare in the community adult and age grade game. Rugby Development has a wide range of functions from funding & facilities, volunteer recruitment & recognition, club & CB support and non-contact. We are typically based at home in locations all around the country.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Operation of approved national RFU community rugby competitions, leading, organising and deploying a team to meet current and future need.
• Developing creative solutions to playing opportunities that help reduce the number of cancelled and postponed games and contribute to player experience and club sustainability, and ensuring that these are embedded regionally and through CBs.
• Operation of appropriate systems to capture results quickly and accurately, ensuring that these are available to view widely through relevant and accurate reporting.
• Building and managing strong relationships with key staff and supporting volunteers across the game, especially within RFU Council, Regions, CBs, committees, league organisers, etc. ensuring best practice and insight are cascaded for maximum impact.
• Working closely with the legal and governance team to oversee all matters in relation to competition integrity and to develop the necessary regulations for competition.
• Acting as the focal point within the RFU for any competition related queries; key member of RFU staff on appropriate competitions sub-committees / task groups.
• Influencing structured season, minimum standards and scheduling as well as managing budgets for competition related activity.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

Essential:

• Experience of working in sports development, and / or competition management or associated development fields (e.g. not for profit, further / higher education, charity, etc.)
• Good understanding of competition structures in sport, and preferably with good working knowledge of the sporting (and Rugby Union) landscape.
• Strong experience of being in a leadership role with an ability to articulate an overall function plan / strategy to others and translate into working practices.
• Strong evidence of being able to influence and build relationships with a diverse and challenging stakeholder group to drive change, including with volunteers.
• Strong people and project management skills, with the ability to work on several areas at once, prioritising and communicating priorities.
• Proactive self-starter with the resilience and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Committed to embodying the ethos of our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day‑to‑day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.
• Ability to deliver administration and coordination, alongside strategic thinking and influence.

Desirable:

• Degree level education or relevant commensurate practical experience.
• Experience of building, inspiring, leading and managing a team, setting high standards of performance with a focus on developing talent.
• Any sporting or people management related qualifications e.g. mentoring, coaching, etc.
• Strong experience of directing, managing and supporting cross‑function teams/roles.
• Proficient in working with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and proficiency with Smartsheet.
• An effective team member, with sufficient flexibility and willingness to take on roles outside their normal functional responsibility when required.