At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects and support community organisations across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Sported, a charity dedicated to empowering young people through sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and networking in the charity sector.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in the voluntary or community sectors required.
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.
Webrecruit and Sported are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be. So, if you want to make a positive impact as Northern Ireland National Manager, please apply via the button shown.
Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Belfast employer: WR Group Limited trading as Webrecruit
Sported is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community through sport and physical activity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including personal and volunteer days, Sported fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Join us in leading initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities across Northern Ireland, while expanding your skills and network in the charity sector.
Contact Details:
WR Group Limited trading as Webrecruit Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Belfast
✨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 Sported and its mission. Understand their impact on communities and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to build partnerships and navigate the funding landscape in Northern Ireland.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Northern Ireland National Manager (Fixed-Term Maternity Cover) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the voluntary, community, or sport sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Northern Ireland National Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Partnerships Experience:Since this role involves managing relationships across various sectors, it’s crucial to demonstrate your experience in initiating and maintaining partnerships. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past.
Highlight Your Knowledge of the NI Landscape:We’re looking for someone who understands the Northern Ireland funding landscape and community sports sector. Make sure to mention any relevant experience or insights you have that could benefit our mission at Sported.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at WR Group Limited trading as Webrecruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Sported's mission and the community sports landscape in Northern Ireland. Familiarise yourself with their key partners like Sport Northern Ireland and Ulster University, as well as current funding opportunities. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in the voluntary, community, or sport sectors. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed partnerships or led teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a National Manager, leadership is key. Be ready to talk about how you've motivated teams, managed volunteers, and navigated challenges in previous roles. Share stories that illustrate your ability to lead effectively and adapt to changing circumstances.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the future direction of Sported, how they measure success in their projects, or what challenges they foresee in the community sports sector. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
