• Lead the effective planning, resourcing and delivery of the League of Ireland Elite Referees Panel, ensuring sufficient, appropriately qualified match officials and observers are available to meet the requirements of League of Ireland, FAI Cup and other domestic or international fixtures and activities as required. 
• Oversee efficient, fair and data informed appointments process supported by appropriate digital systems, operational planning and performance information.
• Maintain a sustainable elite refereeing pathway through annual panel selection, promotion, succession planning and the development of future match officials.

• Ensure Elite Referee Services operate in full compliance with FAI Regulations, FAI Referee Regulations, safeguarding and vetting requirements and the UEFA Referee Convention.
• Provide effective governance, administration and reporting for elite refereeing matters, including Elite Referees Committee, National Referees Committee responsibilities and UEFA/FIFA operational requirements.
• Build productive working relationships with internal FAI departments, the League of Ireland, clubs, match officials, UEFA, FIFA and other relevant national and international stakeholders.

• Provide effective leadership, line management and professional support to elite match officials, promoting a high performance, accountable and respectful working environment.
• Lead the delivery of an integrated education, coaching, fitness and development programme, aligned with the Laws of the Game, IFAB guidance and UEFA/FIFA standards.
• Maintain robust appraisal, observation, review and individual development planning systems that support performance improvement and address underperformance where required.

• Manage the resources, budget, procurement activity and supplier relationships associated with the Elite Referee Panel, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and within approved budgets.
• Oversee the provision of essential referee operational supports, including match logistics, travel, accommodation, equipment, kit and international fixture arrangements.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality, system capability and cost efficiency across the elite refereeing operation.

• Contribute to the strategic development of elite refereeing within the FAI, ensuring the League of Ireland refereeing operation remains fit for purpose, scalable and aligned with the Association’s wider objectives.
• Drive the continuous improvement of processes, systems, reporting and service standards across the Elite Referees Panel.

• Experience in either refereeing, referee education, or sports administration.
• Experience of planning and delivering complex, high-volume programmes involving multiple priorities, stakeholders and deadlines.
• Experience of managing people, resources and operational activity, including financial administration within agreed budgets.

• Experience in a management, operations, sporting or similarly fast-paced environment.
• Experience planning, developing and delivering training, development, or educational programmes.
• Experience of coordinating appointments, schedules, travel, logistics or large-scale event delivery.

• A full driving licence and the ability to travel regularly throughout Ireland and internationally where required.
• A relevant third-level qualification, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience in education, sport, football or a related discipline.

• A recognised qualification in project management, leadership, people management, sports governance or business management.
• A recognised instructor, coaching, observer or education qualification.
• Experience as a FIFA or UEFA match official, observer, instructor.

Skills and attributes

• A clear understanding of the League of Ireland, the wider domestic football landscape in Ireland and the current FAI Strategy.
• Ability to manage finances and associated expenditure in line with agreed budgets.
• Strong operational planning, organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage a high-volume weekly programme and respond effectively to changing requirements.
• Effective people-management, coaching and performance-management skills, with the ability to provide support, challenge and accountability
• Strong digital literacy, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and confident use of digital learning platforms and virtual delivery tools for training, communication, and operational delivery. 

Application Details