Head of Women’s Football

Overview

Job Location:

Academy Training Ground, BR3 1NZ
& VBS Community Stadium, SM1 2EY

Contract Type:
Full-time

Deadline: 4th February 2026

The Head of Women’s Football will lead the recruitment strategy for the Women’s First Team, working in 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 Clubs long-term vision and ambitions.

• 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 the relevant stakeholders such as General Counsel, Club Secretary, Head of Football Ops and HR Department with regards to recruitment planning, player recruitment, agent liaison, registration, player ‘on-boarding’ 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.
• Maintains 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.
• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

• 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  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.

• 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 Gym Flex
• Volunteering Day - 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.
• Travel Season Ticket loan
• Holiday allowance: 25 Days

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…