From M&S to the FA: How Passion for Sport Led to an Unforgettable HR Career Journey

Rachel Brace, HR Director for the Football Association, shares her inspiring journey from a senior role at Marks & Spencer to leading HR in major sports organizations, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to build a career in this dynamic sector.

Following a Passion-Driven Path

Rachel's career shift wasn't planned—it was instinctual. Leaving a senior position at Marks & Spencer to join the team organizing the Olympic and Paralympic Games was a leap of faith driven by her love for sport. "I followed my heart," she explains. Seeing the job advertisement on the Tube sparked something within her, leading to what she calls a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Building Foundations at Marks & Spencer

Starting at M&S at age 19, Rachel describes it as "one of the best kinds of universities of life from a people perspective." Those early years were hugely defining, providing the foundational skills she still relies on today. It was also where she met her husband and formed lifelong friendships.

The Olympic Experience: Professional Growth Beyond Expectations

Taking the role with the Olympic organizing committee meant a step back in terms of position size, but it opened doors to unprecedented professional growth. What began as a passion project turned into six years of building an organization from scratch, transitioning it from a corporate setup to a dynamic machine capable of delivering games across 40+ venues.

Transitioning to Rugby and Football

After the Olympics, Rachel's experience led to her first HR Director position with the Rugby World Cup, which eventually opened the door to her current role at the Football Association. "That was 10 years ago. And here I am," she reflects.

Transforming the FA's HR Function

When Rachel joined the FA, she arrived at the start of a major transformation journey. With just two people in the HR team initially, she helped rebuild the entire HR function from the ground up. Today, the team has grown to 30 members, handling everything from big-picture organizational strategy to day-to-day operations.

What Makes Sport HR Unique

Working in national sports institutions means operating under higher scrutiny and clear standards, but what truly sets sport apart is the workforce. "People are driven by purpose, not just pay," Rachel notes. This passion fuels performance but also brings emotional behaviors rarely seen in corporate environments.

Essential Tips for Succeeding in Sports HR

1. Respect Your Sport

Understand the journey and heritage of your sport. Be a good student of its history and future.

2. Build the Right Team

You cannot do it all yourself. In sport, where organizations are low volume and high touch, success requires the right people.

3. Understand Your Organization

Spend time learning about your organization's purpose, nature, and people. Building a different toolkit is essential when working in sports.

The Ever-Evolving Nature of HR

"No day is ever the same in my job," Rachel concludes, explaining why she's stayed in HR for so long. The field is always evolving, offering the perfect blend of strategic thinking and hands-on work that keeps everything moving forward.