Women\'s First Team Head Coach (Part Time)

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently. Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day. We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

Inclusion Statement: Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement: Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the Club; safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the Club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

The Role of the Women’s First Team Head Coach: We are seeking an experienced, driven, emotionally intelligent Head Coach with a proven track record, balancing player development with winning on the pitch. You will join our expanding women’s football department part-time, on a 0.5 FTE fixed term contract (approx 20 hours per week) as we build a strategy to deliver our longer-term ambitions to progress up the women’s football pyramid. Your primary focus will be to lead on all areas relating to the training and preparation of the women’s first team for its games programme. The team gained promotion from Tier 6 this season and will step up to compete in Tier 5. Matches are mainly on Sunday afternoons.

Main Accountabilities:

• Lead the planning and delivery of evening training sessions (Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday) for the club’s newly promoted women’s first team.
• Manage the club’s first team, including leading on squad selection, competing in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Premier Division, Women’s FA Cup, Capital Cup (senior edition) and all additional competitive and friendly fixtures, typically on Sunday afternoons.
• Lead the first team inter-disciplinary team and work collaboratively with the Women’s Football Consultant, technical coaches, B team Head Coach, medical and recruitment staff to develop players and prepare the team to win.
• Build positive performance-focused relationships with players, motivating them to achieve their full potential, driving individual and team performance to win games.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of a positive team culture, ensuring any conflicts are dealt with in a consistent professional way in line with the club’s values.
• Lead the tactical analysis for the women’s first team and their opponents, including individual player analysis, effective game plans and in-match strategies to maximise team success.
• Contribute to the design and lead the implementation of individual development plans (IDPs) for first team players and provide feedback to players in line with agreed IDP processes and timelines.
• Work closely with recruitment staff and the Women’s Football Consultant to pro-actively manage squad depth charts and identify short, medium and long-term recruitment priorities.
• Support the integration of players from the B team and youth set-ups, fostering a clear pathway for talent progression.
• Maintain up to date records of training sessions and game time on club systems.
• Work collaboratively with all women’s team staff to support the delivery of the club’s strategy.
• Attend all relevant continuing professional development (CPD) events, contribute to the club style of play and ensure that the women’s evolving game model principles and training methodologies are delivered consistently.
• Ensure that any safeguarding concerns observed, or raised with you in your role, are shared with the safeguarding team through the appropriate channels.

General Club Accountabilities:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
• Ensure compliance with the club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
• Ensure compliance with the club’s Code of Conduct.
• Actively embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the operations and strategy of your team, in line with our EDI strategy.
• Build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, always maintaining a professional image when representing Brentford FC.
• Keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
• Maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.

Person Specification - Essential Personal Characteristics:

• UEFA A Licence coaching certificate.
• Excellent communicator.
• Previous experience leading senior players within a professional setting.
• Previous experience analysing games, formulating game plans and designing sessions that prepare teams to perform with multiple outcomes.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive and positive team environment.
• Understanding of the women’s football landscape and player development pathways.

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics:

• FA Talent ID qualifications.
• Previous experience working with senior female players in a competitive environment.
• Previous experience using performance data to inform planning and delivery.
• Good level of IT skills.
• Passion for community engagement and promoting women’s football.