Head of Coaching – Women’s Academy
Location: Cobham Training Ground
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract, Full-Time
Closing date: 9th November
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.
The Opportunity
Chelsea FC Women's Academy is looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Coaching to lead and develop our coaching programme from U10 through to U21. This is a key leadership role responsible for defining coaching excellence, driving coach development, and ensuring a world-class, player-centred approach throughout the Academy pathway.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the Academy coaching strategy across all age groups.
- Define and embed the Academy's coaching philosophy, methodology and standards.
- Develop and support coaches through observations, feedback and individual development plans.
- Line manage Academy coaching staff and oversee performance reviews.
- Establish a clear coaching competency framework and career pathway.
- Lead the recruitment, onboarding and development of coaching staff.
- Ensure coaching supports long-term player development and progression.
- Contribute to the Club's game model, technical programme and practice methodology.
- Monitor the implementation of Individual Action Plans (IAPs) across the pathway.
- Use performance and development data to enhance coaching practice.
- Build relationships with external partners to support the female coaching pathway.
- Play an active role within the Women's Academy Senior Leadership Team.
What you will bring;
- UEFA A Licence
- FA Youth Award
- FA Safeguarding Qualification
- FA First Aid Qualification
- Proven experience in coaching leadership and coach development
- Experience managing and developing staff
- Strategic leader and strong motivator
- Passionate about developing female players and coaches
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Highly organised with strong planning skills
- Professional, ethical and accountable
- Reflective, innovative and committed to continuous improvement
Our Expectations:
- To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
- To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
- To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
- To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
- To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.
Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.
