South Wales FA Business & Strategy Manager (2 Year FTC)

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. A key aim for the role is to support the SWFA to become a sustainable organisation through income generation, business process improvement and modernisation of governance structures.

Key Areas of Accountability or Responsibility

• Build strong relationships with the volunteers across the Area Association ensuring understanding of operational responsibilities and challenges.
• 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.
• 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 KPIs, 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 these areas.
• 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 practice governance structures in line with Sport Wales governance framework.
• Support the 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.

The above list of accountability and responsibility is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties involved and consequently the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the role as agreed by the SWFA Board and FAW Head of Grassroots Football.

Person Specification

• Experience of commercial business development.
• Experience of business services and governance structures.
• 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 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

• The successful candidate needs to live within close proximity to the South Wales FA Area.
• 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.

FAW Values

• Excellence: We approach every challenge with determination and a drive to deliver our very best in all we do. We display commitment, motivation, discipline and perseverance, and hold ourselves accountable for results. In every aspect of business and sport, we strive to excel.
• Family: We promote a welcoming culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is embraced. Through the power of the collective, we will continue to expand our football family, welcoming anyone who wants to achieve great things for Wales.
• Respect: We believe that different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds are fundamental for success. We will earn the respect of others through our commitment to be open, honest, ethical and fair.