Head of Women's Rugby

Organisation: Harlequin Football Club Ltd
Salary: d.o.e.
Location: Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford Surrey, GU2 7AD
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 23 October 2025
Job Description: Role Overview
The Head of Women’s Rugby is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all off-pitch aspects of the programme, including staffing, player pathways, recruitment and retention, budgets, facilities and overall programme delivery. The post-holder will support players and staff, drive performance processes, and provide guidance and strategic input to the Head Coach.

Working closely with the Head Coach, CEO, and senior stakeholders, they will foster a high-performance culture that supports the delivery of on-field success, reinforcing Harlequins’ aspiration to be the most admired Club in the northern hemisphere.

The Details:
• Location: Based at our Training Ground: Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, GU2 7AD (will also be required to travel/work at the Twickenham Stoop). Will also be required to travel across the UK to games.
• Working Pattern: Full time, the ability to work flexible hours, this will include regular evening and weekend working.
• Contract: Full-time permanent
• Salary: Competitive
• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, with key relationships with Head Coach and People Director.

The Responsibilities:
1. Staffing & Leadership
• Lead, mentor, and line manage all Heads of Departments (non-coaching), ensuring they have the necessary development and support to foster a high-performing culture.
• Take ownership of staff recruitment, contracting, onboarding and retention, working closely with the HR department.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Head Coach and coaching team, providing guidance, support, and a critical perspective when required.
• Navigate and resolve day-to-day staffing and programme challenges, including interpersonal or operational issues.
• Chair regular all-staff and department meetings, fostering collaboration, alignment and communication across the programme.

2. Recruitment & Retention
• Develop and deliver comprehensive recruitment and retention strategies for players to maintain a competitive and sustainable squad.
• Work closely with the Head Coach to identify recruitment targets globally, considering Harlequins’ style of play and team philosophy. Leveraging analytics, databases and other performance tools to inform decisions.
• Manage player contracts, negotiations, remuneration cap compliance, and other governance requirements (VISA’s, EQP, International Clearance etc.)

3. Pathway Development
• Oversee the strategic development, growth, and delivery of the women’s rugby pathway, ensuring a clear route for talent progression.
• Oversee the partnerships with Surrey University, Worthing College and external talent programmes to strengthen the pathway.
• Serve as Safeguarding Lead for the women’s programme, ensuring all RFU and statutory regulations are met and safeguarding best practice is embedded across the programme.

4. Budgets & Finance
• Lead the planning, management, and reporting of the women’s programme budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Oversee CAPEX projects and initiatives to grow and enhance the programme, preparing business cases where needed.
• Collaborate closely with the finance team and leadership to ensure financial decisions align with strategic objectives.
• Responsible for management and compliance with PWR Remuneration Cap.

5. Programme Management & Facilities
• Oversee the smooth operational delivery of the women’s rugby programme, ensuring all off-pitch aspects run efficiently.
• Oversee training and match schedules, fixture planning, disciplinary processes, and holistic off-pitch player support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with facility partners to ensure optimal use of training and match venues.
• Lead programme reviews/audits, monitor performance, and gather player and staff feedback to continually improve the programme.

6. Programme Strategy & Projects
• Work with the Head Coach and senior leadership to develop and implement the long-term strategy for the women’s rugby programme.
• Represent the programme at board meetings, senior management discussions and wider stakeholder forums.
• Lead key projects, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at growing the women’s game, improving performance, and enhancing the overall player and staff experience.
• Foster collaboration with other performance departments and maintain a strong working relationship with the Men’s General Manager to ensure alignment across the club and share best practice.

The Experience, Qualifications and Skills needed:

Experience:
• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading performance programmes and talent pathways in high-performance sport.
• Line management experience and ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in player recruitment, contracting, and retention.
• Budget management experience, with ability to make strategic financial decisions.
• Understanding of athlete development and pathway frameworks, ideally in rugby.
• Working knowledge of professional women’s rugby structures and RFU pathways (preferable)

Qualifications:
• Satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
• Full, valid driving licence.
• Relevant sport management, coaching, or performance qualifications desirable.

Skills & Competencies:
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and IT systems relevant to programme management.
• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage complex operational programmes across multiple locations.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with ability to handle sensitive issues discreetly.
• Equally happy and able to think strategically, but also get involved in the detail.
• Makes things happen!

Closing Date for applications: Friday 23rd October

Role Start Date: ASAP.

Interview Format: The selection process is likely to be conducted in two stages: an initial online interview followed by an in-person panel interview.
How to apply: How to Apply: Applicants are requested to submit a CV and covering letter combined in a single document, titled with their full name, outlining why they should be considered for the role at jobs@quins.co.uk. Please also confirm your current notice period and salary expectations in the accompanying email. Harlequins is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.