Job Description
Our China office is looking to hire a Football Development Manager, to drive the growth of youth football that includes both elite and community initiatives across the country. The role will lead the operational delivery of impactful projects, build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, and champion safeguarding and inclusivity in every activity.
The role will work across a number of operational and administrative functions supporting the growth of the game, including the delivery of our Next Generation elite youth football tournaments, and a holistic coach development programme that inspires, trains, and supports the next generation of community and grassroots football coaches across China — with a strong focus on local insight, targeted provision and sustainable growth through capacity building in market. The role will provide on the ground management of a range of Football Development activities such as the preparation and delivery of events, meetings as well as in-market coordination to Premier League clubs. The role will also be an integral part of the government relations initiatives in China and requires actively maintaining productive working partnerships with several China football federations and professional league institutions and Clubs.
Who we are
Who we are
The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its Clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in 900 million homes in 189 countries.
The Premier League opened the China Office in October 2024 in Beijing, as a demonstration of our continued commitment to football in the region; to the development of the game locally and strengthening our relations with broadcasters, commercial partners, fans and other stakeholders in China.
The Premier League is an equal opportunities employer and strives to create an inclusive culture where talent can flourish. We believe in the potential of everyone and open our doors to those who share those values. All appointments will be made based on merit; however, we particularly encourage applications from women, people from minority ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting the development and implementation of the Community and Football Development (across grassroots to elite) plans for China.
- Managing the operational delivery of Community and Football Development (across grassroots to elite) initiatives in China.
- Managing operational partnerships with key Premier League partners involved in Community and Football Development (across grassroots to elite) initiatives.
- Support the delivery of MOU commitments to China Football Association including elite coach development program, annual coaching conferences, youth and first team competition organizations, and talent pathway projects such as Premier League Next Generation.
- Actively maintain positive and productive working relationships with all relevant government and private football institutions to develop further partnership opportunities.
- Working closely with the Premier League’s Safeguarding team to ensure policies and processes are in place to promote safe and inclusive environments for all involved in Community and Football Development initiatives or events in China.
- Uphold and promote the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare across all programme activities, ensuring that stakeholders and participants, engage in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Developing local intellectual property connections and partnerships.
- Leading on the preparation and delivery of projects, initiatives, events and meetings.
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including local federations and sports bodies.
- Working alongside internal departments on cross-team projects and other business initiatives as required.
- Measuring the impact of the League’s Community and Football Development initiatives in China.
- Frequent travel will be necessary, both locally, and to the Premier League’s office in London.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Relevant work experience in another similar position with strong knowledge of the football landscape in China, including relationships with sports federations and sports bodies.
- Experience of conducting high-quality community and grassroots events involving children and young people.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. with an understanding of how to apply these principles in a coach development or community sport context.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Experience in leading a project from initial concept to evaluating success.
- Ability to work closely with partner agencies with a strong eye for detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding team player.
- A hardworking, self-motivated, and proactive attitude, with a flexible and collaborative working approach, which is inclusive in style.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence.
- High level of integrity with the ability to deal with sensitive and confidential matters.
- Bi-lingual proficiency in English and Mandarin.
About Premier League