Essendon chief Peter Jackson has announced he will quit as the AFL club's general manager at the end of the season.

Jackson, the Bombers boss for the past 13 years, has built a reputation as one of the competition's shrewdest operators.

He has helped turn Essendon into an off-field powerhouse, with a healthy financial position and record membership.

But Jackson will also be remembered as a key figure in sacking the four-time premiership coach Kevin Sheedy after 27 years at the club.

"I think as a leader it is important to recognise when the time is right for change," Jackson said.

"From the perspective of the football club - and also from a personal point of view - I think that time is now.

"AFL football is a very demanding industry - you don't work in it, you live in it - and that takes a lot of energy."

The club says it will undertake a thorough search to find the best possible replacement for Jackson.

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