Role description
The Position:
Reporting to the COO, the Senior Strategy Manager will be involved in supporting the delivery of the FAI Strategy 2022-2025. Working with a variety of key stakeholders, including Senior Leadership Team, Staff, Leagues, Clubs, Sport Ireland and UEFA the person will be expected to shape the long-term direction of the Association by carrying out in-depth analyses of current and potential football growth strategies. The role will support senior leaders to develop business plans aligned with the FAI Strategy to include business cases, priorities and KPI’s in line with budget and workforce planning processes and provide regular performances reports against objectives, associated risks and growth opportunities for a variety of audiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy Development and Implementation
Work with departments to develop business plans aligned to the FAI’s #WeAreOne Strategy 2022-2025 (e.g. League of Ireland, Women’s Football)
Work with the wider Strategy team and heads of department on departmental strategies and priority projects (e.g. Facilities Investment Vision and Strategy)
Manage and consolidate reports for Board on behalf of the CEO and COO
Liaise with senior internal and external stakeholders in the development of future FAI organisational strategies
Evaluate new opportunities for Irish football and develop business cases
Proactive identification of research opportunities to drive growth across participation and revenue streams
Lead on the narrative and design of presentations for senior stakeholders for both internal and external audiences
Project Management
Work closely with divisions to track execution of business plans and associated risks in line with priorities and KPI’s
Drive and oversee the progress of key strategic projects
Support on cross-functional programmes (e.g., culture transformation, commercial growth, research projects) that require project planning and delivery support
Analyse, monitor and investigate sporting trends, regulatory changes and other developments generating business insights and intelligence reports for Board, Senior Leadership and other stakeholders
Identify, manage and report strategic risks, generating reports for the FAI Board and Committees
Other
Manage and maintain a motivated and focused strategy team
Provide insight and suggest improvements to existing business processes and workflows
Take an active role in fostering internal and external relationships that can present opportunities for the association (e.g. Government, UEFA, FIFA)
Special Projects: Provide support for special projects, as required
THE PERSON:
The successful candidate will have the following:
Experience & knowledge
3+ years experience in a Strategy/consultant role
Experience managing a team and direct reports
A track record in developing successful strategic plans for sports organisations with proven results to grow the sport.
Degree in business/related field, or relevant professional experience
Good knowledge and experience in strategy development with experience of best-practice methodologies and tools
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data to senior stakeholders
Self-directed and driven to deliver results
Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating in fast-paced environments
A track record of effective influence and interaction at senior level.
A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement
Ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive manner
A passion for football and understanding of the football and wider sporting landscape
Key Skills Required
Articulate with excellent interpersonal skills – ability to establish credibility with senior management
Team player with ability to work in a multi-stakeholder environment
Comfortable with complex or ambiguous data and situations
Strong project management and work prioritisation skills
Strong leadership skills
Business case development and scenario modelling skills
Excellent Excel & PowerPoint skills
Excellent report writing and presentation skills for senior audiences
Analytical rigor and attention to detail
