Senior Premier League Stadium Fund Manager Recruitment Pack
June 2022
The Premier League Stadium Fund is the new name of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). It takes on the existing work of the FSIF with an extended remit, providing financial support to clubs throughout the football pyramid. The Premier League Stadium Fund is fully funded by the Premier League, and delivered and administered by the Football Foundation.
Introduction
Thank you so much for taking the time to find out more about the Premier League Stadium Fund, which is delivered by the Football Foundation. The Premier League Stadium Fund awards capital grants to clubs to support improvement of their stadium facilities for players, supporters and officials. Funding is available to clubs who play in Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, Tiers 1 to 4 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and clubs promoted into the English Football League. Whilst the Senior Premier League Stadium Fund Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of the Fund, they will be employed by the Football Foundation, an organisation I am very proud to lead. It’s therefore important that you understand the wider context – in terms of what we do and how we go about it. The purpose of the Football Foundation is to transform individual lives and communities by providing people with a great place to play. That’s an inspiring thought – but behind it sits a great team. The Foundation is an independent charity, but has at its heart a collaboration between the Premier League, The Football Association and Sport England. Our role is to facilitate their joint investment into community sports facilities. We do this through partnership working – being part of a team is really important to us. Becoming part of the Football Foundation team, will give you the chance to deliver a positive impact in every community in England; to help transform lives and communities through great places to play; and to be part of a supportive and inclusive staff team that strives to work hard and plays fair to achieve its goals. I hope you take the time to apply.
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer
The Premier League Stadium Fund
Our Impact
5 Since 2000…
5,000+
£164m+
900+
Grants Awarded
Investment
Clubs Supported
About the Premier League Stadium Fund The Premier League Stadium Fund is the new name of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). It takes on the existing work of the FSIF with an extended remit, providing financial support to clubs throughout the football pyramid. As well as continuing to fund ground-grading requirements, the Premier League Stadium Fund includes a new Club Development Fund to help clubs grow and enhance sustainability.
The Premier League Stadium Fund awards capital grants to clubs to support improvement of their stadium facilities for players, supporters and officials. Funding is available to clubs who play in Steps 1 to 6 of the National League System, Tiers 1 to 4 of the Women’s Football Pyramid and clubs promoted into the English Football League. Following a full review of previous FSIF processes and criteria, the Premier League Stadium Fund will now provide funding via several different opportunities: •
Core funding In a similar manner to the FSIF previously has, funding will be available for clubs to help undertake stadium improvement works and ensure compliance with the requirements of the FA National Ground Grading Criteria.
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Club Development Fund Funding available for both ‘on the pitch’ and ‘off the pitch’ projects which will help clubs develop links with their local communities and increase sustainability.
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Floodlight Replacement Fund Insight suggests that a significant number of existing floodlight systems will require replacement in the next few years. It is intended to launch a fund which will provide greatest efficiency and value for money in helping to tackle this issue.
• Women’s Infrastructure Fund Providing funding for to ensure stadiums can respond to the needs of the Women’s game.
The Role As the Senior Premier League Stadium Fund Manager, you will have responsibility for overseeing the delivery of the Premier League Stadium Fund for the Football Foundation (Foundation). You will need to ensure that the Fund is effectively managed, that funding is committed in line with agreed criteria, and that best value is achieved. Careful co-ordination with external stakeholders will be required, in particular representatives from the Premier League and The FA; as well as other functions within the Foundation’s Grant Management Team. As well as the delivery of the Premier League Stadium Fund, you will also lead the development and implementation of a new Ground Grading assessment process. This will require strong project management skills to support the build and deployment of a new digital tool, and once implemented, the oversight and management of the Ground Grading assessment process. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with the development of this new tool to support the work of the Foundation and our funding partners.
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Key responsibilities Operational Management of the Premier League Stadium Fund • Establish (as required), manage and optimise the various funds of the Premier League Stadium Fund including drafting and maintaining programme prospectus, criteria, processes, assessment, oversee grant awards and the operational budget. • Support the operational delivery of the Premier League Stadium Fund through liaison with key internal teams; Delivery Team, Grant Assessment Team, Technical Team, Brand, Marketing and Communications Team, Investment Planning, Performance & Technology Team, and the Finance Team. • Oversee and coordinate Grant Assessment and Technical Project Manager analysis and assessment of applications to the Premier League Stadium Fund, ensuring that applications are considered from an need, outcomes, sustainability and business planning perspective, before assessment reports are presented to relevant decision-makers. • Support and coordinate Delivery Manager interaction with prospective applicants to the Club Development Fund, and determine the feasibility of progressing a potential project application, ensuring that progress meets agreed timescales, accords with scheme criteria and represents best value for money. • Support and coordinate the process to peer review the assessment reports produced by Grant Assessment Managers and Technical Project Managers, and ensure consistency and quality requirements have been met. • Support the Stadia Improvement Panel with their review of applications and help ensure that their decisions accord with Premier League Stadium Fund policy and criteria.
• Design and implement a process of Monitoring and Evaluating grants that have been awarded so the impact of the funding is fully understood, case studies can be generated and lessons learned can be incorporated into future application processes. • Build strong relationships with external stakeholders such as the Premier League, The FA and Leagues to ensure the Premier League Stadium Fund meets their needs, are briefed on developments and progress, and the current position of the Premier League Stadium Fund is fully understood. • Build and maintain strong internal relationships with Foundation colleagues and Senior Management Team to ensure strong connectivity between the Premier League Stadium Fund, the Local Football Facility Plans and the Foundation’s wider strategic work.
Key responsibilities Design, Build and Implementation of a new Ground Grading Management Tool • Project manage and co-ordinate support of specialist resource to ensure the successful design and build of a new Ground Grading Management tool, ensuring it meets internal and external stakeholder requirements, and is delivered within the available budget. • Oversee a process of testing and implementation of the new tool, ensuring that all feedback is captured, refinements made and the system optimised before formal launch.
Management of the Ground Grading Assessment process • Establish and maintain a process for Ground Grading Assessment, ensuring it meets the needs of the The FA, Foundation and external stakeholders. • Oversee the deployment, and then the day-to-day management and development of the Foundation’s Ground Grading Management Tool.
• Arrange Ground Grading inspections and deploy Ground Grading Assessors (Foundation Technical Team, plus external resource) to undertake inspections as and when required. • Provide regular management reports with relevant information in a digestible manner to leagues and The FA as required. • Engage with the relevant FA Committees on the Ground Grading process including the production of annual grading recommendations and where necessary, appropriate action plans.
• Implement a quality control system for the Ground Grading inspection process, ensuring consistency across the country, and identify training requirements for Ground Grading Assessors as necessary.
Other Activity You will be required to: • Undertake any other reasonable management request, including duties as can be reasonably expected to ensure the smooth running and efficiency of the Grant Management Team and wider organisation, never forgetting that teamwork is at the heart of what we do. • Carry out duties and responsibilities of the post at all times in accordance with Football Foundation policies and principles. • Ensure compliance with data protection in all matters. • Uphold the ‘four corners’ of the Football Foundation. • Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Application requirements Qualifications • Educated to HND/Degree standard or equivalent experience, preferably in Sports Management or Development. (Desirable) • PRINCE2 or Agile certification or equivalent. (Desirable) Knowledge and experience • An excellent working knowledge and understanding of the politics, dynamics and intricacies of The FA National League System and Women’s Football Pyramid. (Essential) • A working knowledge of The FA National Ground Grading Criteria, National League System/Women’s Football Pyramid Regulations and Standardised Rules, and experience of operating to them in practice. (Desirable)
• An understanding of the processes to deliver capital sports facility/stadium development projects from inception to construction completion, and an awareness of the hazards which may prevent successful delivery. (Essential) • Detailed knowledge of different Project and Programme Management techniques and an ability to flexibly apply these in a practical manner to a dynamic and evolving role. (Essential)
Application requirements
Skills and abilities • Educated to HND/Degree standard or equivalent experience, preferably in Sports Management or Development. (Desirable) • A passionate supporter, committed to the Foundation’s four corners and the delivery of its strategic objectives. (Essential) • A united team player, actively contributing to the team to complete tasks, meet goals and manage programmes, and always operating as a centralised support service. (Essential) • Exceptional project/programme management skills with the ability to lead and drive work streams through the End-to-End process (Essential). • An ability to navigate the complexities that arise from working in a multi-stakeholder environment, together with the experience to respond positively to the demands this may bring (Essential). • An enthusiastic, flexible approach to a hands-on role with the ability to switch your attention between strategic and operational demands (Essential). • Ability to analyse complex situations, with a keen attention to detail, whilst simultaneously simplifying for the benefit of others. (Essential). • Willingness to travel across the country as necessary, including regular travel to Foundation offices in London (Essential).
• IT literate, including MS Office tools (Essential).
Application offer – salary & benefits
• The salary band for this role is £47,000 to £52,000 per annum (dependent on experience). • You will initially be entitled to 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. The Foundation also offer a generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution), yearly collective bonus, free healthcare provision, a monthly gym subsidy, interest-free season ticket loan, death in service benefit and access to selected match tickets. • We are committed to helping our staff maintain a healthy work-life balance, so offer flexible working hours around core hours to help achieve that.
Location The role will be home-based, although occasional travel to our main office, currently in Paddington, London, as well as other sites will be required.
THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
ABOUT THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION Whilst the Senior Premier League Stadium Fund Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of the Fund, they will be employed by the Football Foundation, and therefore it’s important that they understand the wider context – in terms of what we do and how we go about it. The Football Foundation’s purpose is to transform individual lives and communities by providing people with a great place to play. That’s an inspiring thought – but behind it sits a great team. The Foundation is an independent charity, but has at its heart a collaboration between the Premier League, The Football Association and Sport England. Our role is to facilitate their joint investment into community sports facilities. We do this through partnership working – being part of a team is really important to us. Together we have ambitious plans and with the recent announcement from the government to invest a further £205 million into grassroots football over the next 3 years, the Football Foundation is well-supported to continue to invest in community pitches and facilities across the nation.
OUR FOUR CORNERS
We unlock the power of pitches. We transform lives and strengthen communities. Whatever position we play in, we always strive for excellence.
WE REFER TO OUR COMPANY VALUES AS OUR FOUR CORNERS AND THESE FORM A CENTRAL PART OF OUR WORKING CULTURE. WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES WE ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO BE AWARE OF OUR FOUR CORNERS AS WE WILL FRAME SOME OF OUR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AROUND THESE.
We support each other and work together to deliver the greatest impact wherever it’s needed the most. Nothing brings people together like sport and teamwork is at the heart of what we do.
We support the game in any way we can. We make sure applicants access funding as easily as possible. We work with partners to deliver outstanding football facilities. We transform lives and communities on behalf of our Funding Partners.
Being inclusive and understanding diversity allows us to tackle inequalities through everything we do. We play fair regardless of gender, race, ability or place, from the star performers we recruit, to the way we work, from the facilities we fund, to the people who play on them.
THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION’S EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
o To ensure we have the best chance of tackling inequalities through our work, we are determined to be an inclusive and diverse organisation that understands the communities we serve.
THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION’S EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COMMITMENT The Football Foundation is committed to, and values, the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all our team feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. We encourage and welcome applications from all, regardless of background and are particularly interested to hear from individuals belonging to under-represented groups including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with a disability and those from the LGBTQI+ community. We request that all applicants complete our equal opportunities form as part of the application process. This anonymous and confidential form helps the Football Foundation to build up a picture of who is applying to join the organisation, and to monitor progress in this area. The link to complete this is in the application process.
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Application process
To apply, please follow the steps outlined below: 1. Please send the following to jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk
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CV
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Cover letter highlighting your motivation for the post and indicating how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the role.
2. Complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities form: •
Click here to fill it out. Please only submit one form, if you have any issues get in touch.
Closing date for applications: Sunday, 24 July, 23:59 Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 2 August at our office in Paddington, London We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, as we may close the advert and application window once we have received sufficient applications. We thank all applicants for taking the time to apply, however, due to the high number of applications received for most roles, the Foundation only contacts candidates if they are shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, you should assume your application has not been successful. The Foundation aim to provide feedback to shortlisted candidates who are unsuccessful at interview. However, due to the volume of applications received for most roles, the Foundation will unfortunately not provide feedback to those candidates who are not shortlisted for interview.
Application process
Selection
All applications received will be short listed against the role requirements and person specification. Those most closely matching our requirements will be invited to take part in an online interview.
Checks and references
If you are successful in your application, we will ask you to provide us with the contact details of two organisations that we can apply for an employment reference; one of which must be your current/most recent employer. Please be aware that the Foundation aim to have all references in place before new team members commence employment with us. Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, you are required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. If called for an interview, you will be advised of the documents that you will need to provide, which, if you are offered employment, will be checked to ensure the Foundation complies with current legislation.
Data protection
Information provided as part of your application will be used for the recruitment process. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application and in the recruitment process. If you are successful in your application, the information you provide during the application process will be retained by us as part of your employee file for the duration of your employment, plus 6 years following the end of your employment. If you are unsuccessful at any stage of the process, we will retain your personal information for a period of six months after we have communicated to you our decision about whether to appoint you to work. Please see the full Privacy Notice for job applicants on the Careers page of our website for more information about how and why your personal data will be used, namely for the purposes of the recruitment exercise, plus your rights in relation to your data.
For more information, please email: jobs@footballfoundation.org.uk