At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community sports initiatives and support local organisations across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Sported, a charity dedicated to empowering young people through sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to positive change and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while enhancing your leadership and partnership skills.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in the voluntary or community sectors and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 43700 - 43700 £ per year.
Home-based within Northern Ireland
About Us
Sported is a charity that delivers expertise, resources, and vital support to organisations that use sport and physical activity to make a positive impact on young people and on our communities. Our network of clubs and groups reached almost one million young people across the UK in 2023–24. Through free support, resources and funding, we help trusted local leaders lower the barriers facing the next generation, building stronger, fairer communities with the help of our team and a pool of volunteer consultants.
We are now looking for a Northern Ireland National Manager to join us on a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover contract until June 2027, at which point it will be reviewed.
The Benefits
- Salary of £43,700 per annum
- 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
- Two additional personal days per year for wellbeing
- Two paid Volunteer Days each year
- Up to five days’ paid study leave for self-funded training
- Flexible working arrangements
- A confidential counselling service
- Pension scheme
- Monthly virtual Diversity & Inclusion “Open Space”
- Cycle to Work scheme
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced voluntary, community or sport sector professional with strong partnership, leadership and regional delivery experience and a decent grasp of the NI funding landscape to join our purposeful organisation. Offering a unique blend of strategic leadership, partnership development and team management, this role provides the chance to broaden your experience whilst making a meaningful contribution to communities across Northern Ireland. So, if you’re ready to bring your experience to a role where your work will support vital community organisations across Northern Ireland, read on and apply today.
The Role
As Northern Ireland National Manager, you will lead our work across Northern Ireland, ensuring our member groups are engaged, supported and able to access the services, partnerships and volunteer expertise available to them. Working closely with key partners, including Sport Northern Ireland, the Rank Foundation and Ulster University, you will oversee regional delivery, strengthen strategic relationships and represent Sported in stakeholder environments across Northern Ireland. You will also manage the Northern Ireland Field Team, co-ordinate regional planning and delivery, and work across our departments to ensure activity is aligned, effective and responsive to the needs of members.
Additionally, you will:
- Review and co-ordinate the Annual Delivery Plan for Northern Ireland
- Lead the delivery of regional projects and associated KPIs
- Identify and develop funding opportunities and partnerships
- Support fundraising, communications and impact activity
- Manage regional resources, reporting and performance
- Contribute to national delivery strategy, policy and best practice
About You
To be considered as Northern Ireland National Manager, you will need:
- At least five years’ experience in the voluntary, community or sport sectors in the UK
- Experience of initiating and managing relationships and partnerships across different sectors
- Knowledge of the community sports sector in Northern Ireland
- Experience of line managing paid staff and volunteers
- Experience of negotiating the Northern Ireland funding and political landscape
- Experience of creating regional strategies and plans
- Experience of identifying and developing proposals for funding
- Experience of acting as an organisational representative within key stakeholder environments
- A proven track record of using data to create insights
- An understanding of the issues facing small community groups and the role sport can play in a social context
The closing date for applications is 15th June 2026 at 9am.
Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) employer: Webrecruit Ireland
Sported is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on communities across Northern Ireland through sport and physical activity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including additional personal days and paid volunteer leave, Sported fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Join us in leading vital initiatives that empower local organisations and create lasting change for young people in our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the voluntary and community sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or collaborators. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Northern Ireland National Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and partnership development experience to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Northern Ireland National Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past experiences, focus on the impact you've made in previous roles. We want to see how you've contributed to community or sport sectors and how that can translate into success for us at Sported.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for supporting communities shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Sported and making a difference in Northern Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Sported's mission and the role of the Northern Ireland National Manager. Familiarise yourself with the community sports sector in Northern Ireland and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Partnerships
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and managed partnerships in the past. Highlight your experience with key stakeholders and how you can leverage those relationships to benefit Sported and its member groups.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves using data to create insights, come prepared with examples of how you've used data in previous roles. Discuss any specific metrics or KPIs you've worked with and how they informed your decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing a team, be ready to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Share stories that illustrate your ability to motivate and support both paid staff and volunteers, and how you've navigated challenges in team management.
