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Director of Stakeholder Engagement, New Stadium
Manchester United
Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth.
Job Posted- 18 Sep 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- England
Closing date- 2 Oct 2026
This role will lead the development and delivery of the programme's stakeholder engagement and communications strategy. The role will build trust, understanding and alignment amongst a diverse range of stakeholders including supporters, local communities, public sector partners, businesses, media, political leaders and wider football audiences.
The role will be aligned to the wider Club strategy and help shape the programme by ensuring stakeholder insight, political context and fan / public sentiment are embedded into the decision-making throughout the programme lifecycle whilst considering ongoing Club relationships.
Working as part of the New Stadium leadership team, the incumbent will ensure the programme is clearly understood and informed by stakeholder perspectives, while communicating the benefits it could deliver for Manchester United, Trafford, Greater Manchester and future generations of supporters.
Reporting to the Programme CEO, the role will act as the programme's lead for stakeholder strategy, communications, public affairs, fan and community relations, media engagement and reputation management.
Key Responsibilities
Stakeholder Strategy & Relationship Management
- Develop and lead the overall stakeholder strategy for the new stadium programme.
- Build trusted relationships with key stakeholder groups, including supporters, fan representatives, local residents, businesses, political stakeholders, community organisations and public sector partners.
- Create and maintain stakeholder mapping, engagement plans, and relationship-building programmes.
- Act as a senior interface between the programme and key external stakeholders, helping to build alignment and resolve issues proactively.
- Ensure stakeholder considerations are embedded into programme decision-making and governance processes.
Fan & Community Relations
- Work alongside the Club communications team to develop and oversee fan engagement and consultation strategies for the new stadium throughout the lifecycle of the programme.
- Ensure fans have meaningful opportunities to understand, influence and provide feedback on key elements of the project.
- Lead community engagement initiatives and ensure local communities remain informed and involved.
- Monitor stakeholder sentiment and identify emerging opportunities and risks.
Communications & Reputation
- Lead on development of programme communications activity across internal and external audiences.
- Develop clear, compelling and consistent messaging that support programme objectives.
- Oversee media relations, press activity, briefing materials, public announcements and major project milestones, alongside and cognisant of ongoing Club activities.
- Promote accurate, timely and transparent communications while helping manage stakeholder, communications and reputational risks affecting the programme.
- Lead crisis communications planning and response strategies regarding new stadium.
Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships
- Work closely with Trafford Council, GMCA, the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, Government stakeholders and other strategic partners.
- Develop public affairs and advocacy strategies to support programme objectives.
- Coordinate engagement across multiple stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.
- Support the Programme CEO and senior leadership team in high-profile stakeholder engagements.
Legacy & Narrative Development
- Shape and champion the long-term story of the new stadium programme.
- Develop public-facing narratives that communicate the project's sporting, economic, social and community benefits.
- Ensure key themes such as heritage, legacy, inclusion, accessibility and local impact are reflected throughout programme communications.
- Support the positioning of the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Manchester and the wider region.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Coordinate specialist advisers, agencies and consultants where required.
- Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Programme CEO.
- Act as a member of the programme leadership team, contributing to overall strategy and delivery.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Significant senior leadership experience in complex stakeholder management, public affairs, communications, external relations or corporate affairs.
- Proven track record managing complex, high-profile and politically sensitive projects.
- Experience engaging with government, local authorities, regulators and public sector stakeholders.
- Strong media, reputation and crisis management expertise.
- Experience leading large-scale consultation, engagement or advocacy programmes.
- Strong strategic, influencing and relationship management skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Experience of major infrastructure, regeneration, real estate, sports, venue or placemaking projects.
- Experience working within a high-profile consumer-facing brand.
- Understanding of football, sport, fan engagement and community relations.
What we offer
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:
- Annual Incentive Scheme to reward your dedication and hard work
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus and cycle to work scheme
- Simplyhealth Cash Plan: Supporting you with your everyday healthcare needs
- Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
- Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefits and policies
- Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
How to Apply
Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.