ROLE DESCRIPTION

About the job
Job Title: Head of Women's Football

Department: Corporate Affairs

Reporting: Fan & Community Relations Director

Location: Great West Road Offices

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum

Closing Date: 31 July 2024

Regulated Role: Yes



Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.
Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.
We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.
We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.
Come join us.


Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.
Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.
Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this at https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.



If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.



Job Purpose:



The Head of Women's Football will be responsible for leading the strategic and operational development of the women's football programme. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the women’s team, including the creation and implementation of a new women’s football strategy for the club, management of all women’s football staff, budget control and the enhancement of our related knowledge base within the club. They will line manage the General Manager, Technical Lead and coaching staff and be supported by the Fan & Community Relations Director and Corporate Affairs Director.
Background:

This role is pivotal in taking our women’s football ambitions to the next level, providing an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader to significantly influence the future of women's football at our club.
We have ambitions to grow, move up the pyramid and continue to develop a forward-thinking, successful and professional women’s football programme.
Our women’s first team currently play in the tier 6 of the women’s pyramid, in the London & South East Regional Football League Division 1 North, while our B team play in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division.
While this role currently sits in the Corporate Affairs department, this will be reviewed as the teams progress through the pyramid.
Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the women's football programme that aligns with the club’s overall objectives and prepares the club to meet future licensing standards.
Team Management: Oversee the coaching staff and support teams to ensure high-performance standards. Work closely with the General Manager and Technical Lead to enhance team operations and player welfare.
Player Development: Develop and oversee a player development plan and pathway that enhance technical, physical, and tactical skills, ensuring progression from youth programmes in the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust through to senior levels.
Industry Representation and Advocacy: Act as an advocate and spokesperson for the club's women's programme, actively promoting the team’s interests and advancements at industry events, in media interviews, and through public speaking opportunities; proactively engage with football authorities to influence policy, secure resources, and champion initiatives that support the growth and development of women's football.
Staff & Player Recruitment: Collaborate with the Technical Lead to strategically recruit and integrate players and coaching staff that align with the team’s tactical needs, club culture, and strategic goals, while overseeing a robust scouting network and player development pathway to ensure continuous talent acquisition and professional development.
Performance Management: Monitor team performance against club goals and benchmarks. Implement continuous improvement strategies for all areas of the women's programme.
Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain and develop relationships with key stakeholders including regulatory bodies, sponsors, community groups, and the media to promote the women's team.
Budget Management: Prepare and manage the budget for the women’s football operations, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to achieve our objectives.
Compliance and Governance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant safeguarding, league, association, and club governance structures. Manage the club’s soon-to-be-established women’s football board.
Promotion & Commercial Coordination: Collaborate with the club's communication, marketing and commercial teams to help them develop and execute strategies that enhance the visibility and commercial viability of the women's football programme.


Key internal relationships:

• Corporate Affairs Director
• Technical Lead & Head Coach – women’s football
• General Manager – women’s football
• Coaching and support staff
• Safeguarding board members and staff
• Brentford FC Community Sports Trust
• Fan & Community Relations Director
• Football department
• EDI staff


General Club Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including safeguarding, health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR)
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel
To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times
To ensure compliance with all Matchday Safeguarding processes and the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
To promote and support positive mental health and wellbeing throughout the Club both on and off the field.
To promote equity, diversity and inclusion at the Club, in line with our EDI strategy




Person Specification - Essential Characteristics

• Experience and passion for women’s football - demonstrable experience in and a deep passion for women’s football, either in a playing, coaching, or administrative capacity.
• High emotional intelligence - strong emotional intelligence, with a proven ability to adhere to the club's core values of respect and togetherness in all interactions and decisions.
• Forward-thinking – a leader who is proactive and innovative, continuously seeking opportunities to advance the women’s programme.
• Ambition and motivation - highly driven individual, motivated by challenges and committed to achieving high standards and results.
• Established network - established network at senior levels within the English football scene, with the ability to leverage relationships for the benefit of the club.
• Business acumen - proficient in managing budgets, strategic planning, business administration and a track record of managing multiple projects or functions simultaneously.
• Strong communicator - exceptional communication skills, capable of effectively articulating ideas at all levels.
• Inclusivity – a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Strategy development and execution - skilled in crafting strategic initiatives and adept at executing these plans to drive the club’s objectives forward.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Commitment to a long-term vision – focused and motivated to continue the club’s journey to the top levels of women’s football.
Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

• A degree or certification in sports management, business administration or related football qualifications are preferred.
• Proven experience in a similar role preferably in women's football.
• Technology-savvy – familiar with modern sports technologies and systems to enhance team performance and operations.
• Top tier football experience with an understanding of best practice and industry standards.