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- Tasks: Lead recruitment for the Women’s First Team and build a competitive squad.
- Company: Join Crystal Palace FC, a historic Premier League club with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy match tickets, health perks, discounts, and a volunteering day off.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's football and shape the future of the game.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in football recruitment, strong talent identification skills, and UEFA Talent ID Award.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ & VBS Community Stadium, SM1 2EY
Contract Type: Full-time
Deadline: 4th February 2026
About Crystal Palace Football Club
We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - brand new main offices at Selhurst Park Stadium, our London office, and our Training Ground/Academy - we offer the best atmosphere and culture for our fans and our employees. We strive for excellence in the workplace with a philosophy of high standards, professionalism, and a strong work ethic from our employees. We are constantly trying to grow, diversify and build with not only our team on the pitch, but also our team in the offices and on the ground.
About This Role
The Head of Women’s Football will lead the recruitment strategy for the Women’s First Team, working closely with the Manager to ensure a competitive, balanced, and high-performing squad. The role demands a deep understanding of the women’s game globally, strong scouting insight, and budget management expertise. This role is key to building a squad that aligns with the Club’s long-term vision and ambitions.
Responsibilities:
- Lead all aspects of player identification, scouting, and recruitment for the Women’s First Team.
- Collaborate with the Manager and coaching staff to identify positional needs, player profiles, and squad depth requirements.
- Liaise with relevant stakeholders such as General Counsel, Club Secretary, Head of Football Ops and HR Department regarding recruitment planning, player recruitment, agent liaison, registration, player onboarding and Loan management as needed.
- Work closely with the Assistant Club Secretary and General Counsel to manage and submit all transfer and registration paperwork to the FA and FIFA.
- Utilise a mix of live scouting, video analysis, and data insights to evaluate domestic and international talent.
- Maintain strong knowledge of global women’s leagues and markets to identify emerging and established talent.
- Ensure all recruitment activity complies with FA Women’s Football Regulations, including age, registration, and international clearance rules.
- Act as the primary contact for Leagues and any other relevant stakeholders and represent the club at relevant competition meetings.
- Work alongside the management consultant and Head of Ops to manage the women’s team playing budget.
- Build relationships with agents, clubs, and player representatives.
- Monitor and assess the development pipeline from the Crystal Palace Women’s Academy.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of the female programme including player pathways from Academy to 1st team.
- Act as a coach and mentor for other people in the department.
- Develop collaborative working relationships within the department and with other internal and external stakeholders.
- Set/agree season and longer-term performance goals in terms of recruitment for the women’s team.
- Work towards achieving designated strategic actions in order to contribute to achieving overall strategic objectives.
- Provide regular reports to the Operational Board ensuring financial budgets are being adhered to.
- Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
- Uphold and promote the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
Experience, Skills And Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in professional football recruitment or technical leadership role.
- Proven track record in talent identification and player acquisition, ideally within the women’s game.
- UEFA Talent ID Award Level 3 or above.
- In-depth knowledge of the women’s football landscape, including Championship and WSL structures, player markets, and FA regulations.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in data-driven scouting and video analysis tools (e.g., Wyscout and InStat).
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Flexible travel availability across the UK and internationally.
- Understanding of FA and FIFA registration and transfer rules, including Home Grown Player and squad eligibility requirements.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of women and girls in sport.
Benefits:
- Complimentary match day ticket
- Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app
- Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme
- 20% Discount in our Retail Stores
- Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex
- Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
- Travel Season Ticket loan
- Holiday allowance: 25 Days
Our commitment to Equality
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is central to Crystal Palace Football Club. We are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity and to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates. The club aims to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club has a real and equal opportunity to do so.
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.
Safeguarding
Cristal Palace Football Club is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post holder will be required to undergo relevant security checks, including a DBS check, to ensure safety and protection.
Head of Women’s Football employer: Crystal Palace Football Club
Contact Detail:
Crystal Palace Football Club Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Women’s Football
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the women’s football scene. Attend matches, events, and workshops to meet coaches, players, and other professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your knowledge! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the club or during an interview, share your insights about the women’s game. Talk about trends, player development, and scouting strategies. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to clubs or organisations you admire, like Crystal Palace FC, and express your interest in contributing to their women’s football programme. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Make sure to check out the careers section on the Crystal Palace FC website regularly. Applying through our site not only keeps you updated on new roles but also shows your genuine interest in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Women’s Football
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Women’s Football role. Highlight your experience in women's football recruitment and any relevant achievements that align with our club's vision.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the women’s football landscape in your application. Mention specific leagues, players, or trends that you’re familiar with to show us you’re on top of your game.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your key skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace Football Club
✨Know Your Football
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the women's football landscape, including key leagues and player markets. Brush up on recent trends and emerging talents to show that you're not just familiar with the game but passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in talent identification and player acquisition. Bring examples of successful recruitment strategies you've implemented in the past, especially within the women's game, to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills. Be ready to talk about how you've collaborated with coaches, agents, and other stakeholders in previous roles. This will show that you can effectively work within a team and manage important connections.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with FA and FIFA registration and transfer rules, as well as Home Grown Player requirements. Being knowledgeable about these regulations will not only impress your interviewers but also prove that you're prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
