ESSENDON has poached an integral part of Richmond's premiership staff, hiring Dan Richardson for its vacant position as football manager. 

He will start the role on January 8.

Rob Kerr previously led the Bombers' football department before leaving in November.

Richardson was the Tigers' manager of football talent in 2017. He had been appointed their football manager in 2013 before Neil Balme took on the role at the end of the 2016 season. 

Richardson is the son of Tigers great Barry, who won three flags with the club.

"Career decisions are always difficult to make, and this has certainly been one of those occasions," Richardson said.

"The opportunity for my ongoing professional development presented by (CEO) Xavier (Campbell) and the Essendon Football Club was compelling, and I am looking forward to this exciting new challenge.

"Essendon is heading in a positive direction on and off the field, and I look forward to getting down to business and helping them build on the strong foundations they have established in recent years."

Richardson spent more than a decade as a player manager at ESP, which is now known as TLA.

The recruitment panel consisted of Campbell, chairman Lindsay Tanner and manager of people Lisa Lawry.

"We believe Dan's straight-up approach, core values, and strong football knowledge make him the right person to lead our football department, and more broadly we feel he will be a great addition to our entire club," Campbell said.

"Dan is incredibly well respected across the football industry, and he brings significant experience and knowledge from his time with Richmond and ESP.

"Dan played a pivotal role in driving Richmond's football department forward, helping them secure their first premiership in over 30 years. As a club, we are excited for him to bring his experience and success and share it with our coaches, players and staff."

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale congratulated Richardson on his move.

"Dan has played an important role at the club over the past five years and can look back with pride on the contribution he has made to our success," Gale said.

"We thank Dan, his wife Sally and their family for being a part of the Richmond Football Club and wish them all the best for the future.

"The club's football department has a number of highly credentialed and experienced administrators that will enable us to effectively manage all our football requirements as we continue our preparation for season 2018."