At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety and security strategy for Women's Super League matchdays and enhance operational practices.
- Company: Join the Women's Super League Football, a leader in women's sports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in women's football while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in safety operations, strong project management, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that champions inclusivity and safety for all participants.
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. The post holder will also oversee and develop the League's Match Observer Programme.
What will you be doing?
- 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 the 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, and ensure 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 and 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, feeding into the league‑wide operational risk register.
- Promote a culture of safety, learning and shared best practice across the league.
General Responsibilities
- 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.
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.
Beneficial to have:
- Knowledge and experience of professional women’s sport.
- Degree level qualification or equivalent (such as crowd management or similar).
- Formal qualification in project management (such as Prince II or similar).
Women’s Super League Football is based in Farringdon in Central London.
WSL Head of Safety and Security in London employer: The Football Association
Contact Detail:
The Football Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land WSL Head of Safety and Security in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their safety and security strategies, especially in women's football. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in safety and security operations, and how it aligns with the needs of the Women's Super League.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace WSL Head of Safety and Security in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safety and security within professional sport, especially football. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the WSL!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading various initiatives, be sure to emphasise any previous leadership roles or projects you've managed. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully guided teams or projects in the past.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience: This position requires strong stakeholder management skills, so share any relevant experiences where you've collaborated with different partners or organisations. We want to know how you’ve built and maintained those relationships!
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the Women’s Super League.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Football Association
✨Know Your Safety and Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safety and security protocols in professional sport, especially in women's football. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices so you can confidently discuss how you would lead the League's matchday strategy.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you would engage with clubs, governing bodies, and external partners to enhance safety standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership style and how it aligns with the role. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure situations, and how you foster a culture of safety and learning.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills under pressure. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would handle potential safety incidents or crises during matchdays.