At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety and security for Women's Super League matchdays and enhance operational strategies.
- Company: Join the Women's Super League, a leader in women's football.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on women's football safety and security while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in safety operations, strong communication skills, and a passion for women's sport.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment that champions female athletes and promotes inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Women's Super League Football has an exciting opportunity for a Head of Safety and Security. This key senior role will lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the League's matchday safety and security strategy. Working collaboratively with clubs, governing bodies, and external stakeholders, the role ensures the highest standards of safety and compliance across all women's football operations. The postholder will provide strategic leadership on safety and security matters and serve as the League's subject-matter expert, advising senior leadership on emerging risks, trends, and best practices. In addition, the post holder will oversee and develop the League's Match Observer Programme.
What will you be doing?
- Safety & Security Leadership
- Lead the implementation and ongoing evolution of the League's matchday safety and security strategy.
- Chair and develop the WSL Football Safety and Security Working Group.
- Design and deliver the annual League Safety and Security Conference and monthly Safety Officer meetings.
- Develop and deliver training, workshops, and guidance materials to support the continuous development of club Safety Officers and operational teams.
- Represent the League on key committees and working groups, including: Safety Committee, Data Sharing Working Group, CT, WPFNCC Subcommittee, and SAFE.
- Lead and enhance the League Match Observer Programme.
- Monitor and analyse matchday insights throughout the season to inform strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate with Premier League and EFL safety and security teams to ensure alignment across the professional game.
- Maintain strong relationships with key external partners, including SGSA, UKPFPU, FSA, FSOA, the Home Office, DCMS, and clubs.
- Ensure league and club compliance with relevant safety legislation, SGSA guidance, Green Guide standards, and FA/League regulations.
- Conduct periodic reviews and audits of club safety documentation, matchday plans, and certification.
- Maintain and regularly review the effectiveness of the League's Major Incident Plan.
- Act as a key member of the League's Crisis Management structure, providing specialist advice during incidents and leading post-incident reviews.
- Lead the identification, assessment and mitigation of safety and security risks across the league, ensuring proactive planning and continuous improvement feeding into the league-wide operational risk register.
- Promote a culture of safety, learning, and shared best practice across the league.
- Coordinate meetings, logistics, agendas, and ensure accurate action recording and minute-taking.
- Support departments with club promotion applications and case conferencing.
- Work closely with all League departments, particularly safeguarding, to support the successful delivery of the League Business Plan.
- Collate information and produce departmental reports, including monthly risk registers and operational summaries.
- Undertake additional duties as required in response to evolving business needs.
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and procedures, promoting the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being.
- Complete the required level of DBS check in line with legislation and the responsibilities of the role.
- Champion an inclusive and respectful environment across matchday operations, ensuring safety practices reflect the needs of diverse participants, staff, and fans.
- Execute additional tasks as required to meet Women's Super League Football's changing priorities.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
What are we looking for?
- Essential for the role
- Strong knowledge and experience of safety and security operations within professional sport (ideally football), including the women's game.
- Demonstrable experience managing multiple projects and working groups.
- Proven stakeholder management skills across internal and external partners.
- Understanding of relevant policies, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, and relevant databases.
- Knowledge of financial and budgeting processes.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including matchday and out-of-hours requirements.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels.
- High integrity and commitment to ensuring safe environments in women's football.
- Knowledge and experience of professional women's sport.
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent (such as crowd management or similar).
- Formal qualification in project management (such as Prince II or similar).
Living the values through our behaviours:
- FOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAME - Every decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.
- GREATNESS NEVER SETTLES - We have the relentless drive to keep the women's game growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously rewrite the playbook.
- FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHER - We move as one – lifting each other up and having each other's backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans, and communities to achieve greatness.
- CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCH - We celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.
- PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW - Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.
WSL Head of Safety and Security in Burton upon Trent employer: The FA
Contact Detail:
The FA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land WSL Head of Safety and Security in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show up prepared! When you land an interview, do your homework. Know the League’s safety and security strategies inside out, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to each role.
We think you need these skills to ace WSL Head of Safety and Security in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Women's Football: When writing your application, let your love for women's football shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to the game. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in this space.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in safety and security within professional sports. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for. This will help your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how they align with the role of Head of Safety and Security.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The FA
✨Know Your Safety and Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safety and security operations, especially in the context of women's football. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented or seen work well in previous roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also a subject-matter expert.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's clubs, governing bodies, or external partners, being able to demonstrate your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safety and security incidents. Think about how you would handle crises, make decisions under pressure, and ensure compliance with regulations. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusivity
The role requires a strong commitment to creating safe environments for diverse participants. Be prepared to discuss how you've championed inclusivity in your previous roles and how you plan to promote this within the Women's Super League. This aligns perfectly with their values and mission.