Head of Women\'s Team Operations

Job Location: Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ

Contract Type: Full-time

Salary/ROP: Competitive

Deadline: 8th June 2025

Who we are:

We are Crystal Palace Football Club, a Premier League Football Club with more than 160 years of proud history. Spread across three different sites - our London office, Selhurst Park stadium, 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 Operations will be responsible for the day-to-day logistical and operational duties of Crystal Palace FC Women Team. This role ensures smooth and professional functioning across all non-technical aspects of the team, supporting the players and coaching staff by providing a high-performance environment both on and off the pitch. The role plays a key part in compliance with FA and league requirements, player well-being, and overall operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operational needs including training ground logistics, kit provision, pitch bookings, and access to gym and canteen facilities.
• Organise all team travel logistics for home and away fixtures, including transport, accommodation, and fixtures scheduling.
• Ensure the club adheres to all FA Women's Championship regulations, including those related to club licensing, matchday standards, and operational criteria.
• Ensure all training, matchday, and support facilities meet the FA Women's Championship minimum standards, and lead any planning for infrastructure improvements.
• Work closely with the Assistant Club Secretary and General Counsel to manage and submit all transfer and registration paperwork to the FA and FIFA.
• Lead all matchday operations for the women team, including managing part-time and casual matchday staff.
• Coordinate with internal commercial and marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging and support for the women program.
• Oversee logistics for player housing, visa processes, and relocation support for domestic and international signings.
• Manage the women operations budget and ensure cost-effective service delivery.
• Ensure the club meets all operational standards set by the FA Women Professional Game Licence (Tier 2) and adheres to the Women Championship Operational Plan.
• Help with the development and implementation of the long-term strategy for the women's football programme, aligning with the club's broader goals and the FA's vision for the women professional game.
• In charge of the production and implementation of the FA Club Development Plan for Crystal Palace FC Women's team.
• May act as a point of contact between the club and governing bodies such as The FA and the Women's Professional Game Board, ensuring timely communication and full compliance with all directives and updates.
• Responsible for submitting the annual Compliance and Development Report.
• Ensure club-wide safeguarding policies are enforced across the women program, and that staff and players operate in a safe, inclusive environment.
• Demonstrate leadership by actively contributing to the EDI Strategy and Delivery Plan, guiding, and motivating the team to take actionable steps towards achieving EDI objectives.
• Establish and drive EDI targets for your department, ensuring measurable progress and accountability.
• Conduct regular EDI reviews to ensure new projects procedures and strategies are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with CPFC values.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in football or elite sport operations management.
• Proven ability to deliver large-scale logistics and manage complex event coordination.
• Knowledge of FA rules, league competition structures, registration systems and compliance protocols in the women's game.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Experience with budget management and operational planning.
• Proven experience in processing and ensuring timely submission of all transfer and registration documentation in compliance with FA, FIFA, and UK Home Office regulations.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, equality, and welfare practices in football.
• Flexible and adaptable work approach, including weekend and evening availability.

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 that increases every year of service

Our commitment to Equality:

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity. We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club's activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

Reasonable Adjustment:

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.

Safeguarding:

Crystal 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. As such, the post holder will be required to undergo any relevant security checks, including a comprehensive background check, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals.