Role description
About the job
Overview
The Premier League wish to engage an enthusiastic and committed Product Manager for a novel mobile phone application developed by the Integrated Coaching Strategy (ICS) – a collaborative association of the principal football bodies in the English professional game – the English FA, the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, Professional Footballer’s Association, League Manager’s Association and League Coaches Association (together, the Game Partners).
The Pro Coach App is designed to help professional coaches in the English game make the best of their careers through actively supported self-development. It provides the first unified and guided point of access to coaching learning and development services provided by the Game Partners and will share up-to-date and relevant content in an easily accessible structure. It will also offer a range of tools for coaches to plan and execute on their development goals, as well as offering a unique outbound communication channel for the Game Partners to the entire professional coaching workforce.
Further developments of the App will enable coaches to apply for and record attendance at key programmes and events offered by the partners, as well as search and apply for new roles. They will be able to share development plans and ideas with their immediate support group and wider communities within the professional coaching world.
The Integrated Coaching Strategy:
The Premier League is responsible for the development of the Professional game coaching workforce in partnership with the Professional Game partner organisations (PL, FA, EFL, PFA, LMA) via the ongoing delivery of the Integrated Coaching Strategy (ICS.) The Premier League have developed a long-term strategic plan named the Elite Coaching Plan (ECP) with the vision of creating a coaching development system that provides development opportunities that are unmatched in sport and is recognized globally for consistently producing world-leading coaches for the professional game through three ambitions and goals. 1) Productive - Consistently developing and producing home-developed coaches for the highest level. 2) Role Enhancing - Develop the skill and expertise of the coaching workforce through a greater understanding of the professional game. 3) Diverse and Inclusive - Normalise a diverse and inclusive coaching workforce.
ICS is a partnership (PL, FA, LMA, EFL, WSL, WC) to deliver and sustain world-leading coaching and manager education, development and career pathways across English Men’s and Women’s professional football. To develop a thriving professional game, powered by a diverse workforce of world-class coaches & managers.
The role
The successful candidate will be expected to lead the partnership stakeholders in mapping out the product roadmap for the App, ensuring that it delivers the most effective facilities and tools in the right development sequence, and maximising usage of the App.
They will also work closely with the coach development community and select individuals from the Club professional coaching community to ensure the detailed features and requirements of the App best support the objectives of the Integrated Coaching Strategy.
The successful candidate will manage internal and external suppliers to deliver the App and associated integrations - setting priorities, elaborating requirements, and managing contractual relationships, holding suppliers to account for their deliveries.
They will provide support to the Premier League Player Care team with the delivery of the Premier League Player App.
Please note that this role will be working for ICS. The employment will be with the Premier League.
Understand their development needs and the strategy for coaching provision from the game partners
Take ownership of the value proposition for the Pro Coach App, defining clearly the role the App should play in the overall development pathway of professional coaches and the key features and services that support the value proposition, including how it clearly separates from and complements other Apps and services developed by the game partners
To develop a long-term strategy and plan for the delivery of the Pro Coach App
To prioritise features, and drive the overall strategy to achieve business objectives. You will also
Be responsible for analysing user feedback, conducting market research, and making data-driven decisions to enhance the app's performance and user experience
Act as a product champion for the App with partners and professional clubs alike, driving user adoption and satisfaction amongst professional coaches
Define and socialise a development roadmap for the Pro Coach App and associated product backlog and supporting requirements
In conjunction with technical design teams ensure the UX and UI of the App are clearly defined, aligned with partner strategy and work well for coaches
Ensure the coach development community is always aware of the opportunities the App offers at any point in time to educate and inform the professional coaching community
Ensure coach learning and development and other relevant content development and publication processes align with the development plans and capabilities of the App
Work with partner organisations and stakeholders to map out the required system integrations to ensure the Coaching App complements the current digital infrastructure
Ensure future developments of the App are reliably costed and budgeted for by the partners
Manage technology suppliers to maintain and operate the Pro Coach App, in line with the agreed development roadmap
Ensure each new release of the PCA is properly user-tested and fit for purpose before release
To work with the Premier League Player Care team with the delivery of the Player App
Requirements for the role
Demonstratable experience in a product management or similar role in a consumer-oriented business, preferably in the sports industry, conceptualising and selling the benefits of innovative and technically advanced products to senior stakeholders
Good experience of leading product requirements in an agile environment, involving customer focus groups, or similar, to ensure real end-user experience is factored into design
Successful experience of working with IT suppliers to deliver technology products, with a good understanding of the commercial challenges facing consumer products - IP, contractual, T's and C's, data privacy issues etc
Good written and verbal communication, numeracy, and organisational skills
Personal Qualities
Leadership: strong leadership skills to guide cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive the product vision. Be able to inspire and motivate team members towards a common goal.
Strategic Thinking: a strategic mindset and the ability to think long-term. Envision the future of the product, anticipate market trends, and make informed decisions to stay ahead of the competition
Adaptability: The app industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and user expectations emerging rapidly. Be adaptable and open to change, willing to adjust strategies and priorities to meet evolving market needs
User-Centric Mindset: A deep understanding of user needs and preferences is crucial. Have empathy for users and advocate for delivering exceptional user experiences through continuous research and feedback analysis.
Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential to articulate the product vision, collaborate with teams, and communicate progress to stakeholders. Convey complex ideas clearly and influence decision-making through effective communication.
Analytical Thinking: analyse data, derive insights, and use them to make informed decisions. Have a strong analytical mindset to interpret metrics, identify trends, and uncover opportunities for optimization and growth.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify and solve problems and have a proactive approach to addressing challenges, finding creative solutions, and overcoming obstacles that may arise during the product development lifecycle.
Detail-Oriented: attention to detail, ensuring that product requirements are accurately defined, features are implemented as planned, and quality standards are met. Small details can make a significant impact on the success of an app.
Passion and Curiosity: A genuine passion for mobile technology and curiosity about emerging trends and advancements in the app industry to continually seek improvement and stay ahead.
Collaboration: work closely with various teams, including designers, developers, marketers, and executives. The ability to collaborate effectively, build strong relationships, and foster a cooperative work environment is essential for success.
The Premier League is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. All appointments will be made based on merit.
Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who are or may be at risk of harm.
To apply please visit our careers page and apply with your CV and a cover letter. The closing date for applications is Friday 25 August 2023. Should candidates proceed to interview stage, these will take place on W/C 8 September 2023.
