Head of Women’s Technical Strategy and Operations
The Football Association is seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Women’s Technical Strategy and Operations, based at the iconic National Football Centre, St George’s Park. This pivotal role will lead the strategic direction and operational leadership of the Women’s Technical Division, working closely with the Women’s Technical Director to shape, govern and drive delivery of divisional strategy, governance, and the operating model that underpins successful football operations, major tournament planning, policy and financial planning. The role is contractually based at St. George’s Park and follows a hybrid working model with on‑site attendance part of the week.
Responsibilities
Divisional Strategy & Governance
- Lead the development, management and continual evolution of the Women’s Technical divisional strategy, setting clear objectives, outcomes and performance measures aligned to FA priorities and the wider women’s game.
- Establish and own governance frameworks, programme management processes and oversight mechanisms to ensure delivery is prioritised, sequenced and assured.
- Provide regular strategic updates to the Women’s Technical Director, highlighting progress, risks, dependencies and opportunities.
- Chair the Division’s Research and Innovation Committee.
Operational Leadership & Oversight
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of the Women’s Technical operating model, ensuring clear accountabilities, effective processes and consistent ways of working across teams and programmes.
- Provide senior oversight of team operations across all England women’s national teams, ensuring delivery to a consistently high standard with appropriate support, escalation and problem‑solving.
- Oversee the delivery of cross‑divisional and cross‑departmental programmes, identifying operational risks and dependencies, and ensuring operational readiness for tournaments and major initiatives.
Tournament Strategy & Major Programmes
- Lead the cross‑divisional tournament strategy and governance for all Women’s European Championships and FIFA Women’s World Cups.
- Lead cross‑department tournament project groups for Women’s U17 and U19 European Championships and FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups.
- Provide senior leadership input to tournament planning, readiness and strategic alignment, including attendance at key reconnaissance activities.
Policy, Identity & Change Leadership
- Develop and deliver strategic priorities across Women’s Technical, leading high‑impact initiatives aligned to divisional objectives and fostering effective collaboration.
- Support and challenge senior leaders and SLT members to deliver against strategic priorities, providing project management oversight where required.
- Lead the development of football policy across the Women’s Technical Division, including player eligibility, contracts, loans and GBE‑related policy areas.
- Own and assure the Women’s Technical Division identity, brand and ways of working, ensuring consistency across teams and programmes.
- Create executive‑level presentations for the Women’s Technical Director and SLT to support effective decision‑making.
Financial & Resource Accountability
- Hold overall accountability for business planning, strategic financial planning and resource allocation across the Women’s Technical Division, ensuring budgets align with strategic priorities and outcomes.
- Oversee the Women’s Technical Strategy & Operations Project Manager’s delivery of effective budget management and financial controls.
Leadership & Representation
- Represent the Women’s Technical Division within cross‑divisional leadership forums and working groups.
- Champion inclusive leadership and a positive culture across elite women’s football environments.
- Execute additional tasks as required to meet the FA’s changing priorities.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and well‑being.
As part of the FA’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential for the role
- Proven track record of success in a strategic planning, business development, or corporate strategy role.
- Excellent project management and execution capabilities, with a focus on delivering results.
- Experience leading football or team operations within an elite sport environment.
- Understanding of tournament operational planning and delivery in a high performance environment.
- Experience working with a range of football stakeholders.
- Experience of complex and sensitive stakeholder management.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and inspire stakeholders.
- Leadership experience, including the ability to motivate high‑performing teams.
Beneficial to have
- MBA or relevant post‑graduate qualification.
- Passion for elite sport and or football.
- Experience working in an elite sports environment.
- Project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, AgilePM, APM or equivalent.
What’s in it for you
We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles. The role offers a competitive salary, a range of benefits and a supportive environment, including:
- Access to event‑day tickets at Wembley Stadium and regular internal events throughout the season.
- Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park.
- Free private medical cover.
- A contributory pension scheme.
- An additional ‘Thank You’ day’s leave, volunteering days, and 25 days of annual leave (based on a full‑time, permanent contract).
- A hybrid working model that offers greater flexibility.
We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.
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