Impact, on and off the pitch

The Head of Learning & Innovation is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing FA Learning's learning strategy, aimed at delivering a high-quality learning offer to football across coaching, medical, safeguarding, and talent identification. This individual leads the design and delivery of innovative learning solutions that align with FA Learning's overarching learning architecture. The postholder will ensure the learning offer is cohesive and connected, maintaining consistency in learning experiences, assessment methodologies, and overall implementation of the FA's learning approach. Additionally, the role is accountable for aligning the learning offer with market demands to foster industry leadership and enhance FA Learning's reputation as a top-tier provider of learning and development experiences.

What will you be doing?

• Develop and implement a comprehensive learning strategy that aligns with FA Learning's strategic priorities and market needs.
• Create a learning offer that addresses specific challenges, skill gaps, and professional development needs across coaching, medical, safeguarding, and talent identification.
• Design scalable, customisable learning solutions accessible to a diverse range of learners.
• Ensure the learning offer reflects industry standards, technological advancements, and innovative approaches, with a focus on consistent assessment methodologies and a cohesive learning experience across all delivery modes.
• Oversee the development of cohesive and high-quality learning experiences and resources, ensuring programmes align with the professional needs of the target audience.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and partnerships with subject matter experts and industry leaders to enhance the credibility and impact of the learning offer.
• Manage efficient and effective delivery of learning, including course scheduling, logistical planning, and resource allocation to meet demand across regions and levels.
• Collaborate with the Head of Coach Development and Coach Developer Workforce Senior Lead to build and support a network of qualified trainers and facilitators.
• Drive the adoption of digital learning technologies (e.g. LXP, mobile learning platforms, virtual training tools) to extend the reach and impact of the learning offer.
• Ensure learning experiences are consistent, cutting-edge, and incorporate the latest trends in learning technology, user engagement, and data-driven insights.
• Oversee the development and execution of coherent and targeted marketing strategies that are closely aligned with the learning and content strategies, ensuring effective promotion and engagement with the learning offer across key audiences.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with external organisations, educational institutions, and industry bodies to support FA Learning's strategic priorities and financial goals.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and impact of the learning offer.
• Use client feedback and data analytics to continuously improve the content, delivery, and design of the learning offer.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Learning & Innovation team to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
• Support team members' professional growth, providing coaching and development opportunities to enhance their expertise.
• Manage the budget for learning initiatives, ensuring cost-effective resource use while maintaining quality and impact.

• 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.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:

• A Masters Degree in education / learning design / similar related area, or equivalent experience.
• Significant Learning & Development expertise and experience in role(s) in similar organisation(s)
• Significant experience in implementing the instructional design process, to include design, delivery, assessment and measurement
• Experience of researching, designing and launching new qualifications and/or educational programmes
• Data analysis and interpretation (numerical and non-numerical)
• Detailed knowledge of contemporary learning theory and its practical application, with the ability to identify, tailor and apply good practice into content as it is identified
• Significant experience in effectively managing a team to successfully deliver against objectives
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire others and work effectively with wide range of professional colleagues in a transparent and open manner
• Solution focused
• Structured and process orientated – can manage large projects from conception to delivery
• Proven ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Resilient and adaptable – ability to deal with challenging requests and flex personal style to deal with changes

Beneficial to have:

• Experience in a sporting club / association setting
• Experience of working with an awarding organisation
• Strong understanding of the coaching environment
• Strong project management experience

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.

For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page, https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers

Currently, we are working within a hybrid working model whereby the expectation is to work from your contractual location for part of the week, and as and when required by the team. The remaining days can be worked remotely. We will continue to monitor this model, and it may be adjusted in future if deemed necessary. The contractual location of this role can be found on the FA Careers page.

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 guidance.