Facility Development Executive – RFU, UK

Nature and Scope

The role holder will support the Facility Development Manager to provide technical facility and pitch guidance, advice and manage any RFU facility investments or loans. They will manage a programme of support and education to volunteers involved in the operation of rugby club facilities, including through the Rugby Groundsmen Connected initiative. The role holder will be required to create and develop operational partnerships and plans with local and regional stakeholders and provide leadership and support to CB volunteers in the creation and monitoring of Local Facilities Plans.The role is based at home however travel will be required to the North East/West of England.

Accountabilities

•    Management and administration of any RFU facilities investment within division – loans, grants, etc
•    Support clubs to source external funding for facilities projects and provide advice and guidance to clubs on individual facility funding applications
•    Support the Facility Development Manager to protect and grow rugby facilities through Sport England planning consultations
•    Use RFU and Sport England Playing Pitch Strategy methodology to deliver the RFU Offer of support to Local Authorities in the production and maintenance of Playing Pitch Strategies
•    Support the management and local delivery of facility related education programmes including Groundsmen Connected and Energy Club
•    Provide advice and guidance to clubs on operating efficiencies and revenue generation
•    Work with area team to select priority sites for investment and/or support, using data and insights where available and ensure investments support wider rugby objectives eg grow W&G, revenue generation, D&I, etc
•    Support Facility Development Manager to provide leadership and support to Constituent Body (CB) volunteers and RFU staff in the creation and monitoring of Local Facilities Plans
•    Identify key club volunteers for recognition as part of the Rugby Energy Club and Rugby Groundsmen Connected initiatives
•    Support the RFU’s response to emergency situations that impact upon the operation of rugby club facilities
•    Carry out desktop reviews of proposed designs against RFU technical guidance /regulations and provide initial design feedback to clubs and stakeholders.
•    Be an advocate for design good practice and compliance with RFU and Sport England technical guidance and regulations.
•    Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery to the current strategic, business and operational plans
•    Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU at all times, including the promotion of the RFU core values and culture.
•    Undertake such other duties as maybe required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:
•    Practical understanding of the local sporting landscape in England, with demonstrable experience of leading sport development and innovative solution management
•    Strong practical experience of the strategic development and operational workings of sports clubs
•    Experience of working with national and regional agencies in sport
•    Relevant experience in managing facility and/or other large scale projects
•    Experience of supporting the implementation of club facility strategies at regional, national and/or local levels
•    Knowledge of the latest innovations in sport facilities and pitches
•    Experience of directing and supporting cross function teams/roles to ensure solutions are consistent and integrated
•    Ability to lead a facility programme through the management of volunteers and effectively plan and delegate work to others
•    Ability to analyse multiple complex problems and create bespoke solutions across a numbers areas such as financial management, technical specifications, local authority planning, governance, tenure and sports development outcomes
•    Strong oral and written communication skills including producing technical guidance and delivering effective presentations
•    Identifies, develops and maintains relationships and partnerships internally and externally with the ability to influence upwards and with peers