Facilities Development Manager x2

England Hockey’s facility work is critical and focuses on the need to protect, improve and develop hockey facility provision. An updated Facilities Strategy, alongside the development of a facility loan scheme, provides an exciting opportunity for the facilities team to collectively improve and increase hockey provision across the country. Working as part of the wider Development Department, the Facility Development Manager will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the England Hockey Facilities Strategy, helping to develop effective working relationships with clubs, Sport England, other NGBs, local authorities, education sites, and Industry partners, and demonstrating effective working practices to ensure appropriate resource is focused on the right projects / work areas at the right times. The role is predominantly home-based, with responsibility for managing a portfolio of projects/Playing Pitch Strategies within a set geographical area as required by England Hockey.  

To carry out the role, applicants are required to hold a current, clean driving license, have access to their own vehicle, and be willing to undertake site visits.  Occasional visits to England Hockey Head Office in Bisham, Marlow are also required.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day to day implementation of local facility plans, as per the EH Facilities Strategy.  Work with the Club Development Managers to select projects/sites for support/investment using data and insight where available to support wider business objectives (Youth Strategy, ED&I, Loan Scheme)
• Case manage identified projects on a live project list, in order to protect, improve or develop facilities used for hockey – this will include all aspects of facility development including planning, design, technical guidance, revenue generation and financial modelling
• As part of the facilities team, ensure effective hockey representation on all relevant Sport England facility planning and funding meetings and consultations
• Contribute to the delivery of EH Strategic outcomes (protect, improve, develop) within Local Authority areas in the production of the Playing Pitch Strategies
• Help to maximise investment into hockey facilities from external sources (s106, Grants, CIL etc)
• Support the production of EH’s technical facility guidance, and associated resources
• Support the set up and delivery of the EH Facilities Loan Scheme, as required
• Contribute to the development and delivery of a facilities education and support programme for clubs
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships, externally with key industry partners and NGB’s and internally with other colleagues, teams and departments
• Alongside the Facilities Team Manager, proactively work with external stakeholders across the sport construction industry to keep updated on changes and innovation covering all aspects of a build (design, construction and maintenance)
• At all times, act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of, EH.
• Undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time that are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of EH.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are a values-based organisation with a strong ethos to work with integrity and nurture an environment of inclusion. We are looking for enthusiastic, inspirational, and highly skilled individuals who demonstrate through their behaviour the values of England Hockey:

• Collaborate inclusively
• Care for people and places
• Play with spirit, win with grace
• Resilient in everything we do

Qualifications and Experience

• Practical understanding of the local sporting landscape in England, with demonstrable experience of facility provision and funding
• Experience of the strategic and operational workings of sports clubs/facility providers
• Experience of working with national and regional agencies in sport
• Understanding of Local Authority planning legislation and its application
• Understanding of sport lighting and artificial pitch design and construction
• Recent experience in managing facility and/or other projects
• Experience of providing customer service or support to community groups, grassroots sports clubs or voluntary organisations
• Experience of building and maintaining strong working relationships internally and externally

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to cope with competing priorities by multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt approach to build credibility with stakeholder from a variety of backgrounds at local and regional level, along with the ability to inspire and engage others
• Ability to negotiate, make tough decision and communicate decisions with diplomacy
• Ability to analyse problems and create bespoke solutions across several areas such as financial management, technical specifications, governance and planning
• Highly motivated and able to work under his/her own direction to achieve objectives
• Identifies, develops and maintains relationships and partnerships internally and externally with the ability to influence upwards and with peers
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills with the ability to absorb and disseminate information in a clear, accurate and understandable way.
• Ability to analyse and problem solve
• Strong customer service skills with a propensity to look for opportunities to enhance the customer experience.
• An effective team member with sufficient flexibility and willingness to take on roles outside of her/her normal functional responsibility when required
• An understanding and commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A pro-active and ‘can do’ attitude
• Willingness to work unsociable hours and travel.