PURPOSE 

A central element of ECB’s Inspiring Generations Strategy is the sustainability of 18 First-Class Counties (FCCs). The working relationship between the FCCs and ECB is pivotal.  The County Partnership Agreement (CPA) was introduced in 2020 whereby during the current funding cycle (2020-2025) FCCs receive distributions from ECB. A key part of the CPA is the two-way Partnership Review Process where FCCs are supported to continue to make progress against agreed Standards  across a number of areas within the business.  

Your role will be to manage that working relationship with personnel from FCCs on a day-to-day basis with particular focus on the CPA and the Partnership Review Process.  High quality liaison with staff within FCCs and developing respect and credibility with the FCC Chief Executives and other staff members will be a critical success factor.  You will be working across the whole spectrum of the professional game with both men’s and women’s professional domestic cricket.  

You will also be expected to develop outstanding working relationships with colleagues within ECB and other County Stakeholders. 

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 and 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 

• Stronger As One Team – We are stronger together. We allow for individual strengths and beliefs but head in the same direction. We respect, support and really listen to each other along the way. 
   

• Push New Boundaries – We are bold, brave and curious. We challenge and don’t settle. We forge the future whilst remembering our roots. 
   

• Be The Best In The Game – On & Off The Pitch – We train hard. We strive to be our best to help the team be the best. We celebrate our victories and learn from our let downs.  
   

• Passion For Play – We are here to inspire & be inspired. We are serious about what we do, but don’t take ourselves seriously. We enjoy the journey and have fun. 

YOU’LL LOVE THIS JOB IF 

• You enjoy building relationships with colleagues, internally and externally, and you have a proven track record of excellent communication and project management.   

• You thrive under busy, variable and exciting environments where no two days are alike. 

• You have a desire to make a difference to the working relationships between ECB and FCCs and to ensure that the highest standards are maintained.  

• You enjoy influencing up, down and laterally to drive successful outcomes. 

• You understand the competing pressures within professional sport.  

YOU’LL BE DOING 

• Providing support to FCCs with a particular focus on the CPA Standards and their progress against Countywide Plans.  

• Escalating potential risks and areas of non-compliance against the CPA Standards as appropriate.  

• Working closely with Recreational Network Partners, whose primary responsibility are the County Cricket Boards (CCBs) and National County Clubs (NCCs), both of whom are subject to separate CPAs. 

• Working with ECB colleagues to identify development areas for FCCs and facilitate the provision of central support to help address them. 

• Working closely with senior management of the ECB (including Board representatives) to foster strong stakeholder relationships. 

• Playing a key role in ensuring two-way communication between the ECB and FCCs. 

• Taking the lead on updating the CPA management system on Smartsheet, ensuring key insights and risk areas are identified and escalated where appropriate.  

• Drafting papers to ECB Board, Executive and the Professional Game Committee on County matters. 

• Drafting regular bulletins to the FCC Network. 

YOU’LL HAVE 

• Ideally, experience of working within a FCC or professional sport.  An understanding and appreciation of the pressures on FCCs is preferred. 

• Excellent relationship management skills and emotional intelligence. 

• Strong project management experience.  

• Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external colleagues.  

• Ability to identify potential risk areas and to take initiative in managing difficult situations.  

• Strong communication and writing skills. 

• Gravitas and the ability to influence, managing upwards when required. 

• Experience in business development and change management. 

• The ability to gain a quick understanding of the finances of FCCs. 

• Experience of and comfortable in working in high pressure environments.  

• A track record in partnership working and collaboration. 

• Strong IT skills, with the aptitude to learn and administrate various IT platforms. 

• Strong presentation skills. 

YOU’LL RECEIVE  

• Competitive salary

• Holiday - 25 days a year

• Volunteering – 2 days a year

• Pension - Non-contributory pension

• Private medical insurance

• Employee health cash-back plan

• Long-term sickness insurance

• Life assurance - four times your annual basic salary

• Enhanced family leave and pay

• OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool

• People Academy - 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

• 30% New Balance discount

• Cycle 2 Work Scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Preferential access to tickets to England and The Hundred 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 Mobility in Cricket Employee Network, Disability Employee Network and LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network