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: Work from home with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- 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. You will discover a strong benefits package, and will be enabled to expand your skills, build your professional network and gain valuable experience of the Northern Ireland charity sector.
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 Newtownabbey employer: WR Group Limited trading as Webrecruit
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 personal and volunteer days, Sported fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Join us to lead strategic initiatives and strengthen partnerships while contributing to a fairer society for young people.
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 Newtownabbey
✨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 the challenges facing community sports in Northern Ireland. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨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 any successful partnerships you've developed in the past.
✨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) in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Northern Ireland National Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in the voluntary, community, or sport sectors, and show how your skills align with what Sported is looking for.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've supported community organisations or led successful projects, as this will resonate well with our mission at Sported.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for community work and how it drives you to make a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows that you’re keen to join our team at Sported.
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 role of the Northern Ireland National Manager. Familiarise yourself with the charity sector in Northern Ireland, especially the funding landscape and key partners like Sport Northern Ireland and Ulster University.
✨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, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the role effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as engaging with community groups or developing funding proposals. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to share your thought process and strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This could be about the challenges facing community sports in Northern Ireland or how Sported measures the impact of its initiatives. It shows your genuine interest in the role and organisation.
