Sussex FA are looking to recruit a dedicated Referee Development Officer on a full‑time, permanent contract. The role is responsible for leading the development, support and progression of referees across Sussex, ensuring match officials feel valued, engaged, and equipped to deliver safe, high‑quality matchday experiences at every level of the game.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The postholder will shape the county's refereeing priorities and contribute to the overall delivery of the Grassroots Football Strategy.

With an increased focus on inclusion pathways, targeted recruitment, and referee wellbeing, and new digital systems to streamline referee availability, it is an exciting time to join a team helping to shape the future of officiating in Sussex.

The Referee Development Officer will lead the county's end‑to‑end referee development framework, including recruitment, conversion, progression pathways, retention, stakeholder engagement, and the overall delivery of high‑quality support services for referees. The postholder will maintain compliance with FA regulations and safeguarding standards.

ABOUT YOU

To join the team and be successful, the individual must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and how their expertise aligns with the essential and desirable criteria. You will demonstrate professionalism, commitment to development, and a passion for supporting referees. The successful applicant will report to the Football Development Manager.

Applicants should have experience within football development, refereeing, coaching or sports development, together with experience as a qualified football referee. You must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as required. A full role profile, including essential and desirable skills, can be found attached at the bottom of the advert.

Sussex FA are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk, and anyone working with them will be required to follow their safeguarding policies.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through The FA DBS process. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

WHAT IS OFFERED?

• An exciting opportunity to join a forward thinking, progressive business
• A chance to work with key stakeholders within the grassroots and professional game
• A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
• A Workplace Pension Scheme
• A Personal Accident policy
• Additional leave after 5, 10 years' service
• Flexible working hours
• Long Service Awards for 10, 15, 20 years' service
• Health Scheme
• Multi Faith Prayer Room available
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to FA Cup Final & England tickets at Wembley
• Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
• Personal Development Budgets
• Free Nike Staff Uniform every year

The role involves working 35 hours per week including some evening and weekend work as required.

The salary range for the position is £24,000 to £28,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3‑month probationary period.

Either email the completed application to Victoria.Windslow@SussexFA.com or post it to the following address:

Strictly Private & Confidential
Vicki Windslow
Referee Development Officer Vacancy
Sussex County FA
Culver Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 9AX

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 9 March 2026, with interviews held on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

DISABILITY CONFIDENT

They pride themselves on being an employer committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. They have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If any reasonable adjustments are required to support an application, candidates are encouraged to get in touch.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Sussex FA believe that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. They are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.

If there are questions about the role or clarity is required on the recruitment pack, please contact:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com