PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to translate and deliver the aims and objectives of the ECB in making cricket the most inclusive team sport in the UK. The role is responsible for leading the ECB's facilities and infrastructure strategy, overseeing capital programmes with an annual investment of £100m+, aligning funding programmes with the ECB Inspiring Generations Plan 2025-2028, supporting the delivery of world-class events and professional competitions, and ensuring facilities and infrastructure across the game create a sustainable foundation for the future.

The Director will provide strategic leadership across the professional and recreational game, ensuring investment delivers long-term growth, inclusion and sustainability.

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional.

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social.  It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

• Run on respect. We ensure our game is based on fairness, respect and decency. 

• Embrace enjoyment. We make sure everyone finds fun in the game. 

• Build belonging. We actively include so everyone can find a place in the game. 

• Progress with purpose. We stay open to change to keep the game moving forward. 

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF

• You're a strategic leader who enjoys shaping the future direction of an organisation

• You thrive on building strong relationships and influencing diverse stakeholders

• You're motivated by leading change and delivering long-term impact

• You want to make a lasting impact on communities through sport

YOU’LL BE DOING

• Direct line management of 3x senior managers and overall responsibility for a department of 16 people who are involved the process of strategic investment, grant and loan administration, facility planning and facility support services

• Lead on venue master planning and investment strategies with 18 First Class Counties, MCC, 39 County Cricket Boards and 20 National Counties

• Consult with all parties above on the investment of approximately £100 million pounds per annum

• Lead officer on all capital investment, design, strategic planning and contract delivery with external partners and internal stakeholders.

• Report to, and advise ECB committees, ECB executive and EWCT boards as required in relation to facilities development and capital programmes

• Monitor and oversee the development of ECB Technical Specifications

• Manage the strategy for all ECB grant programmes and the ECB interest free loan scheme

• Oversee the design of a network support programme that creates solutions on national, regional and local levels within all affiliated cricket partners

• Oversee a grant management system supporting more than 5,000 clubs and 19 host venues.

• Director level oversight of the design requirements for all structural projects

• Manage a team that consults on planning policy guidance and clubs under threat. Oversight of a team that delivers 400+ planning system responses to protect cricket, via a Memorandum of Understanding with Sport England

• Ensure a programme of education courses and a CPD system is in place with the Grounds Management Association. Oversee support to workforce delivering facilities and infrastructure in the game, particularly professional game operations and grounds management across the game

• Oversee the quality and management of the Investment Management System and County Mapping Tool

• Develop and monitor financial systems and procedures in relation to grant aid and loan schemes

• Oversee the facilities and infrastructure responsibilities of the ECB Sustainability Plan

• The role is office based and requires you to be in the office a minimum of three days per week.

YOU’LL HAVE

Strategic Leadership & Delivery

• The ability to translate strategies into real-life solutions.

• Experience forming high-performing teams and inspiring people to drive change.

• Strong critical analysis skills and experience monitoring current practices.

• Experience managing and implementing dynamic project management practices.

Facilities, Infrastructure & Technical Expertise

• Experience of compliance procedures combined with a commitment to adhere to policy and protect the sport from potential litigation through health and safety requirements.

• Experience interpreting large amounts of data and technical material.

• Familiarity with codes of practice, contract management, and design and construction methods.

• Experience in sports development.

Financial & Commercial

• Excellent business management skills.

• Experience managing large budgets.

• Strong negotiating skills.

Communication, Stakeholder Management & Organisation

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.

• Excellent organisational skills.

• Excellent IT skills.

YOU’LL RECEIVE

• Competitive salary

• Holiday - 25 days a year

• Volunteering – 2 days a year

• Pension Scheme

• Private medical insurance

• Employee health cash-back plan

• Long-term sickness insurance

• Life assurance - a multiple of your annual basic salary 

• Enhanced family leave and pay

• OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool

• Learning and Development - a range of programmes and initiatives to help you develop and reach your potential

• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice

• Cycle 2 Work Scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Preferential access to tickets to England games

• Opportunities to be a part of and be involved in our Employee Resource groups: Women in Cricket Employee Network, Race in Cricket Employee Network, Social Equality in Cricket Employee Network, Cricketability Employee Network (formerly called the Disability in Cricket Employee Network) and LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network