Workforce Development Lead

Impact, on and off the pitch

Working in partnership with Senior Workforce Development lead, the Workforce Development Lead's purpose is the practical implementation of workforce development strategies for coach developers. This role will help ensure coaches across the game experience consistent, evidence-informed development that supports both individual growth and game wide standards of excellence. The role will have a particular focus on improving standards, supporting the workforce to ensure the FA are providing effective coach development, through high quality practice.

The Workforce Development Lead plays a key part in delivering a joined-up and future-fit world leading workforce strategy. This will be achieved by the provision of continuous professional development, integrated peer learning, reflective practice and on-the-ground support that aligns with national frameworks. This role works side-by-side with coach developers to embed best practice and foster a culture of reflective, evidence-informed coach develop.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the implementation of The FA Coach Developer Framework, supporting the development of a well-equipped, professionally recognised workforce across all levels of the game underpinned by clear professional standards and a shared commitment to continuous growth.
• Act as a consistent and trusted presence for coach developers working alongside them in their day-to-day environments to grow their confidence, sharpen their practice and increase their impact.
• Observe, review and provide developmental feedback to the workforce, ensuring consistency, high standards, and alignment with The FA's coaching and coach development frameworks
• Scope, co-create, lead and where necessary deliver high-quality continuous professional development (CPD) activities for coach developers, including learning experiences, communities of practice, peer review sessions, supervision and individual learning interventions
• Ensure the implementation of tailored Individual Development Plans (IDPs) across all workforce, supporting their personal growth and professional goals through targeted, ongoing development
• Promote a culture of reflective learning through action research encouraging regular self-evaluation and peer feedback among coach developer
• Strengthen the practice of those who support coaches modelling excellence and providing tailored, practical development to raise the standard of coach development across the system.
• Contribute to the ongoing evaluation of coach developer effectiveness by gathering insights, practice data, and feedback, and using this to inform individual and collective development strategies
• Support the onboarding of new coach developers by delivering elements of the induction program and guiding them through the transition into role
• Work closely with Senior Leads, Learning & Innovation and other stakeholders to ensure coach developers are equipped with up-to-date resources, research, and practice models
• Be an advocate for diversity and inclusive coaching excellence and integrity, ensuring all coach development delivery is safe, inclusive, evidence-informed, and in line with The FA's strategic goals
• Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
• As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

Who might this role suit:

• A development-focused leader who thrives on supporting others in their learning and development
• Someone who brings curiosity, care and challenge to learning environments
• A person who is confident working in complex, real-time settings offering insight, structure and timely feedback
• Someone driven to shape the standards, behaviours and culture of coach development across the game
• Someone who likes variety in their role and can work effectively and with humility in a team to achieve shared goals .

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• Deep Understanding of Adult Learning and Coaching Pedagogy: Proficient in adult learning theories and coaching methodologies, with the ability to apply these principles to support coach developers effectively.
• Proven Experience in Coach Development: Demonstrated success in facilitating workshops, delivering practice-based learning, and providing developmental feedback in live environments within football or related sports.
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate key messages succinctly and foster trust and development among coach developers through clear and empathetic communication.
• Strong Observational and Feedback Skills: Skilled in observing learning and development experiences and providing constructive, evidence-informed feedback that promotes growth and development.
• Cultural Competence and Inclusivity: Committed to creating inclusive learning environments that respect and value diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Reflective Practice and Continuous Learning: Engages in self-reflection and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Strategic Thinking and Implementation: Ability to align individual development plans with broader organisational goals and implement strategies that enhance workforce development across the system.
• Adaptability and Resilience: Comfortable working independently, regionally and on occasion nationally, with strong time-management skills and the ability to navigate complex, real-time settings.
  
  

Beneficial to have:

• UEFA B Licence or recognised Coach Developer certification
• Learning & Development qualification (e.g. CIPD Level 3/5 or equivalent)
• Experience working within football systems (e.g. NGBs, clubs, coach education environments)
• Understanding of The FA's coach development frameworks and licensing pathways
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g. coaching, education, sport psychology)
• Familiarity with digital learning tools and emerging technologies (e.g. blended learning platforms, AI-supported development tools)
  

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.

We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:

• Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well-being.
• Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park.
• Free private medical cover.
• A contributory pension scheme.
• An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.)
• A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.

We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.

As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidelines.