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- Tasks: Lead performance services for Aston Villa Women’s First Team, focusing on strategy and player wellbeing.
- Company: Join Aston Villa Football Club, a forward-thinking team in women's football.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football while working closely with players and coaches.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in sports science and extensive experience in elite sport required.
- Other info: Experience with female athletes and relevant accreditations are desirable.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Help Shape the Performance Future of Aston Villa Women’s First Team. Aston Villa Football Club is seeking a Head of Performance to lead the performance services for the Women’s First Team. This is an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking environment, working closely with players, coaches, and specialists to deliver world-class support in a growing area of the game.
The impact you’ll make:
In this role, you’ll be responsible for designing and delivering a high-performance strategy that supports success in domestic and European competitions. You’ll lead a multi-disciplinary team focused on all aspects of physical preparation, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and player wellbeing. You’ll be embedded within the team environment, working both on and off the pitch to integrate performance practices into daily routines. From setting departmental direction to ensuring seamless player transitions between Academy, Club, and country, you’ll be central to how performance support drives both individual and collective progress. The role also includes managing performance monitoring systems, budgets, and compliance with relevant standards, while promoting collaboration across departments and championing continuous improvement through innovation and research.
Your skills and experience:
To be successful in this role, you’ll need:
- A postgraduate qualification in sports science, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, or a related discipline
- Extensive experience working in elite sport, with a strong grasp of how performance services support training and match preparation
- A proven ability to lead and develop multi-disciplinary teams in high-performance environments
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a range of stakeholders, including coaches, players, and medical staff
- Experience using performance data and monitoring tools to inform decision-making and enhance performance outcomes
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, legal, and regulatory compliance in a professional football setting
- Confidence in managing budgets, reporting, and contributing to strategic planning
- A proactive, collaborative mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive and positive working environment
Desirable experience:
- Previous work with elite female athletes and/or within women’s football
- A deep understanding of the women’s football landscape, including player pathways and the structure of the game
- Relevant professional accreditations (e.g. UKSCA, BASES, CSP, HCPC)
- Qualifications in coaching or mentoring (e.g. through the European Mentoring and Coaching Council)
Click the apply button below to take the next step in your performance leadership career.
Head of Performance employer: Aston Villa Football Club
Contact Detail:
Aston Villa Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the women's football sector. Attend industry events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet coaches, players, and other performance specialists. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and research in sports science and performance management, particularly as they relate to women's football. This knowledge will not only enhance your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in high-performance environments. Highlight your experience with performance data and how it has informed your decision-making processes, as this is crucial for the Head of Performance role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Aston Villa Women's First Team's current performance strategies and any recent developments within the club. Showing that you understand their unique challenges and opportunities will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Performance role. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your relevant qualifications, experience in elite sports, and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and your experience with performance data and monitoring tools.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for women's football and your vision for the role. Highlight your understanding of the women's football landscape and how you can contribute to Aston Villa's success both domestically and in European competitions.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any previous work with elite female athletes or within women's football. Mention any professional accreditations or qualifications that are relevant to the role, as these will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston Villa Football Club
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your postgraduate qualifications and extensive experience in elite sport. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented performance strategies in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Performance, you'll be leading a multi-disciplinary team. Share your experiences in managing teams, focusing on how you foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement within high-performance environments.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders, including coaches and medical staff, and provide examples of how effective communication has led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Women's Football Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in women's football. Be ready to discuss your insights on player pathways and how you can contribute to the growth of the game at Aston Villa.
