JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to: CEO

Direct reports: Engage Operations Manager x2, Education Manager x2

Location: Northampton with travel to Engage hubs in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. 

Contract type: Fixed-term (maternity cover)

Hours of work: 35 hours per week

BACKGROUND 

Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club was formed, in 1880, when Reverend Samuel Wathen Wigg identified rugby as a way to channel the energies of some of the county’s more troubled youngsters. More than 140 years on, Northampton Saints Foundation continues his legacy, using the power of sport and the values of rugby to INSPIRE, SUPPORT and EDUCATE thousands of people each year. Our education and social inclusion programmes inspire the current generation to learn, develop new skills, increase confidence and where appropriate return to education, training or employment.

ROLE  

This role is responsible for maintaining high standards of practice by ensuring all work remains child-focused and centred on the needs and wellbeing of each individual. You will contribute to robust quality assurance processes, regularly reviewing and evaluating practice to ensure compliance with professional standards and continuous improvement. A key aspect of the role involves keeping up to date with the latest guidance and legislation, applying this knowledge to inform decision-making and ensure best practice at all times. You will play an active part in referrals and creating a safe, supportive, and responsive environment where children’s voices are heard and valued.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Support strategic leadership for the Education and Inclusion programmes, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape long-term vision, priorities, and objectives.
• Support on innovation and continuous improvement to maximise the programme’s impact, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Lead and develop Education and Engage Operations Managers through strong leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive team culture that values open communication, creativity, and effective partnership working.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leaders, external partners, funders, schools, trusts, and community organisations.
• Work in partnership with stakeholders to secure resources, strengthen delivery, and expand opportunities for the programme.
• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day delivery with the Education and Inclusion teams so that the programmes run consistently across multiple sites, ensuring high standards.
• Monitor and evaluate programme performance, using data and feedback to drive improvements, development, and growth.
• Implement targeted strategies to support disengaged young people, addressing barriers and promoting positive outcomes.
• Ensure effective use of resources, maintain robust quality assurance processes, uphold safeguarding standards, and provide regular performance reports and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Act as Deputy DSL, providing operational support to delivery staff on the programme and effectively reporting concerns in line with policy. 

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience working within a school environment, ideally at Senior Leadership Team level or management, with the ability to demonstrate resilience, reliability, and a positive approach when supporting young people with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead status, with strong knowledge of safeguarding processes and responsibilities.
• Proven experience in line management, with the ability to build effective relationships, support staff development, work collaboratively, and use initiative.
• Ability to engage, recruit, retain young people and schools in line with organisational needs.
• Ability to communicate and conduct professional relationships with young people and professionals.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage professionals and build positive connections with young people.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of service delivery to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
• Ability to build strong relationships, work as a team as well as using your own initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - (Essential)
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – (Essential)
• Level 3 Management or equivalent- (Essential)
• Level 3 Safeguarding Qualifications (Essential)
• Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Essential)
• Safer Recruitment – (Essential)
• Team Teach - (Desirable)
• First aid – 3 days - (Desirable)
• Mental Health First Aid - (Desirable)

OUR VALUES 

All employees are expected to demonstrate and uphold our company values in their day-to-day work. These values guide how we collaborate, make decisions, and deliver impact. By embodying these principles, every team member contributes to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture that supports our mission and goals

We are One Team – We support each other, share success, and work together towards common goals
We are Role Models – We lead with integrity, humility, and accountability — at every level.
We are a Safe Space – We create an environment where everyone feels secure, respected, and able to be themselves.
We are Inclusive – We value every individual and actively work to ensure everyone feels they belong.

OTHER

The role description, person specification, role grade and role title may be subject to change at the discretion of the Northampton Saints Foundation and in accordance with business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate.  

Northampton Saints Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and would welcome applications from a fully diverse range of candidates, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.  

The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring service check and a Section 128 Check. 

A full, clean driving license is essential.

APPLICATION:

Please send CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the job description (no more than 500 words) to HR@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org with you name and role applied for in the subject line.

Closing date: 20th May 2026

Please note, if we receive a large number of applications, we may close the process early, so interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Any CV’s, contact details or other personal data shared with Northampton Saints Foundation in relation to this position will be processed for recruitment purposes only. We are storing this data in line with our privacy policy, and any information will only be shared internally as required to undertake shortlisting and interviews with those directly connected to the recruitment process.

We would like to keep this data until this position is filled. When that period is over, we will delete your data unless we specifically inform you that we will keep it on file for future roles.

To see a copy of our privacy policy or if you have any queries relating to how we manage personal data, please contact admin@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org.