Football Development Manager

The Football Development Manager is an exciting opportunity for an experienced programme manager to lead and develop a growing department within a busy, dynamic and well-established charitable organisation. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in programme development, operational management and delivering high-quality football and community-based initiatives.

The Football Development Manager will be responsible for leading and inspiring a team of staff, overseeing the delivery and development of Football Development programmes, including Football in the Community, national and international residentials, and Premier League-funded initiatives such as Everybody's Game. The role will focus on maintaining high standards of delivery, developing staff, strengthening partnerships and identifying opportunities to expand the department's reach, secure sustainable income and maximise its impact.

For further information about the role, please see the Role Profile

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week (including Evenings and Weekends)

Contract Type: Permanent

Department: Aston Villa Foundation and Community Partnerships - Football Development Department

Location: Villa Park (with requirements to travel to and from community sessions)

Closing Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

The Aston Villa Foundation is the official Charity of Aston Villa Football Club and prides itself in being innovative in its approach to the club being used as a 'Force for Good'.

The Engagement, Sport & Wellbeing division was established to complement the organisation's 2024-2028 strategic plan. The division brings together several departments, all of which contribute to providing a wide range of opportunities for children, young people and communities through sport, education, personal development and learning.

The Football Development department plays a key role within the Foundation, using the power of football and sport to increase participation, create opportunities and deliver positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Through Football in the Community (FitC), national and international residentials, Premier League-funded programmes such as Everybody's Game, and wider football development initiatives, the department aims to grow participation, strengthen partnerships and maximise the impact of the Foundation's work.

The Aston Villa Foundation is seeking a motivated, forward-thinking and experienced manager with a genuine passion for football development, community engagement and the role sport can play in creating positive opportunities for individuals and communities.

You will have experience of leading and developing teams, managing programmes and budgets, and building effective relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders. You will also have a strong track record of identifying opportunities for growth, improving programme quality and developing new initiatives that support organisational priorities and deliver meaningful outcomes.

In return, you can expect autonomy, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a real difference within a vibrant and rewarding working environment, representing the Aston Villa Foundation and contributing to the continued growth and success of its Football Development department.

There has never been a better time to join Aston Villa Foundation. We are building a family ethos and culture to be proud of, and realising our ambitious plans for the expansion and improvement of our world-class facilities. If you are already excited by this challenge and want to play your part in our historic Club, then you'll be pleased to hear about our amazing staff benefits you'll receive whilst working for us! See our Staff Benefits booklet to find out more.

a) Please outline your key skills, qualities and experience which make you the ideal candidate for this role (400 words maximum)

For further information and to ask any questions about the role, please contact Kate Roberts by emailing kr01@avfc.co.uk.

The Club reserves the right to close any advertised vacancies earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received.

Aston Villa Football Club celebrates the diversity of its Club and embrace equal opportunities for all.

We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, sex and religion or belief.

Aston Villa Football Club is fully committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk across our Club. As such, we adhere to Safer Recruitment processes and for some roles a satisfactory enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service may be required prior to starting in a role at the Club. For more information, please see Aston Villa Football Club | The official club website | AVFC - Safeguarding