Leicestershire & Rutland FA - Workforce Lead

The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is recruiting a Workforce Lead to drive the development of coaching and refereeing across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Salary: Starting from £29,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week (some evening and weekend work required)
Location: Holmes Park, Dog and Gun Lane, Whetstone, LE8 6FA (with travel around the county and some home working)

This permanent full‑time role will be central to shaping the future of refereeing and coach education across Leicestershire and Rutland. By working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, the Workforce Lead will strengthen and develop a sustainable network of volunteers, coaches and referees throughout the county.

The organisation is seeking applications from individuals who share its core values of being progressive, respectful, collaborative and inclusive. This role supports the wider mission of inspiring positive change through football across Leicestershire and Rutland by uniting communities, tackling inequalities and improving the health of the population.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role will lead the strategic growth and development of the refereeing and coaching workforce across the county. The post‑holder will:

• Support the delivery of The FA Grassroots Football Strategy and the LRCFA Business Strategy
• Lead strategies to recruit, retain, develop and progress referees across the grassroots game
• Oversee the delivery of the Coach CPD programme, supporting coaches at all stages of their journey
• Line manage and support workforce officers to deliver key development objectives
• Lead on youth engagement activity, including Youth Council development and support for under‑18 participants

The post‑holder's work will directly impact thousands of volunteers, coaches, referees and players, helping to shape an inclusive, well‑supported and sustainable grassroots football workforce.

Read the application pack attached at the botttom of the page for more information.

WHO THEY'RE LOOKING FOR?

The organisation is seeking applications from individuals who share its values of being progressive, respectful, collaborative and inclusive. The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience in sports or football workforce development, ideally within grassroots football
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, deliver and meet objectives to deadlines
• A clear understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion within sport

WHY JOIN LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND FA?

The organisation offers a flexible approach to working, enabling the post‑holder to balance the demands of the role with personal circumstances, alongside access to a range of personal benefits.

The successful candidate will join a forward‑thinking team committed to supporting grassroots football and the people who make the game happen.

In 2024, Leicestershire and Rutland County FA was recognised at The FA County FA Recognition Awards, winning the Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Award. This acknowledged the organisation's commitment to creating a supportive, positive working environment where people feel valued and empowered to make a difference.

Building on this, in 2025 the organisation was honoured to become the first ever winner of The FA's Progressive Governance Award. This recognition reflects the strength of its modern Football Council and Working Groups, which better represent the diverse football community across Leicestershire and Rutland and help shape a more inclusive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking future for the local game.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications close at 10am on Monday 23 February 2026. Interviews will take place in the week beginning 2 March 2026.

Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications are welcomed from women, people with disabilities, and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, who are currently underrepresented within the organisation