Head of Womens Football Crystal Palace in London

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 – 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 be responsible for the strategic and operational management of Crystal Palace FC Women. This role ensures smooth and professional functioning across all non-technical aspects of the women's programme, supporting the players and coaching staff by providing a high-performing, safe, and compliant environment on and off the pitch. The successful candidate will also play a key role in growing the fanbase and generating revenue streams.

The person in this role will ensure long-term alignment with the Club strategy, and compliance with all FA Women's Professional Game licence and league standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operational needs including training ground logistics, kit provision, pitch bookings, and access to gym and canteen facilities.
• Work with the CEO to develop and deliver a strategy and vision for women's football at the Club.
• Organise all team travel logistics for home and away fixtures, including transport, accommodation, and fixtures scheduling.
• 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's 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's program.
• Oversee logistics for player housing, visa processes, and relocation support for domestic and international signings.
• Manage the women's operations budget and ensure cost-effective service delivery.
• Ensure the club meets all operational standards set by the FA Women's Professional Game Licence (Tier 2) and adheres to the Women's Championship Operational Plan.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club's policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.
• Liaise with the HR Department to ensure all Club recruitment processes are followed, including the safer recruitment practices.
• Work with the management consultant and CEO to agree and implement an organizational structure which supports the delivery of the agreed aims and is within budget.
• Line management responsibilities for the people within the designated remit to include performance management in accordance with the Club processes.
• Liaise with the HR Department regarding staff development and progression routes.
• Act as the primary contact for Leagues and any other relevant stakeholders and represent the club at relevant competition meetings.
• Develop positive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Work with the management consultant to plan and monitor season budget, including salary cap and financial scheme in place for the competitions.
• Responsible for internal and external reporting of information including financial and non-financial.
• Lead development and communication of the long-term women's football strategy, ensuring alignment with club-wide objectives.
• Promote an inclusive, safe, high-performance culture across the women's programme.
• Drive integration opportunities with the men's and boys' football departments where appropriate.
• Represent the club at FA, league, and competition meetings as the operational lead for the women's programme.
• Support recruitment planning, player onboarding, agent liaison, and compliance with salary cap and financial regulations.
• Monitor and support the women's player pathway, ensuring progression opportunities from academy to first team.
• Lead or participate in senior working groups (e.g., Technical Board, Business Board).
• Produce business cases to support funding bids and maintain relationships with key funding partners.
• Ensure compliance with all FA, FIFA, and league governance, reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Support and develop staff through structured CPD, mentoring, and performance development planning.
• Champion continuous improvement projects including training facility optimisation and fan engagement initiatives.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.
• Upholding and promoting the Club's policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in football or elite sport operations management.
• Proven ability to deliver large-scale logistics and manage complex event coordination.
• Experience developing and delivering long-term strategic plans in a professional football or elite sport environment.
• Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across multiple departments.
• Experience encouraging an inclusive, safe, and high-performance culture for staff and players.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior leadership, governing bodies, leagues, and key external stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing operational and financial compliance in line with FA, FIFA, and league regulations, including reporting requirements.
• Understanding of player pathways, academy structures, and progression from youth to senior women's football.
• Experience implementing structured staff performance management, development, and CPD programmes.
• 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: 25 Days.

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.