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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, discounts, health benefits, 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 scouting skills, and UEFA Talent ID certification.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace 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. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk. For more information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk. We are here to help you through the recruitment process including applying for a vacancy, getting in touch, and accessing interview arrangements.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the women's football scene. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the game! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your love for women's football and your vision for its future. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club and its values. Understand their approach to women's football and think about how your skills align with their goals. Tailoring your responses to reflect their mission can really impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Crystal Palace family. So, get that application in and let’s make some waves in women’s football together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Women\'s Football in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for women's football shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for the game and how it drives you to excel in this role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in football recruitment and your understanding of the women's game. We love seeing relevant skills and achievements that align with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Crystal Palace family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Crystal Palace Football Club
✨Know Your Women's Football Landscape
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the women's football scene, especially the Championship and WSL structures. Familiarise yourself with key players, emerging talent, and recent trends in the game. This will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Scouting Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in player identification and recruitment. Bring examples of successful scouting strategies you've implemented, and be ready to talk about how you use data-driven tools like Wyscout or InStat to evaluate talent.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with agents, clubs, and player representatives. Think of specific instances where your communication skills have led to successful negotiations or partnerships, as this is crucial for the Head of Women's Football role.
✨Align with Club Values
Crystal Palace Football Club values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these principles. Share your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of women and girls in sport, as this aligns with the club's ethos.
