Head of Athletic Performance - Women’s Programme Organisation Harlequin Football Club Ltd Salary £37,000 Location Surrey Sports Park - Guildford Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 14 July 2026 Interview date 22 July 2026 Job Description The Role in Brief:The Head of Athletic Performance will lead the design, delivery and continual evolution of the athletic performance programme across the Harlequins Women’s programme. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to the Athletic Performance department whilst working collaboratively with the wider interdisciplinary performance team to optimise player availability, physical development and long-term performance. The role will oversee all aspects of player preparation, monitoring, rehabilitation integration and departmental development, ensuring alignment across club and international environments.The Details:• Based at our Training Ground: Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, GU2 7AD• Reports to Head of Women’s Rugby• A work schedule which will require work on evenings and weekendsRole Start Date: 1st September 2026Duties & Responsibilities:• Lead the design, implementation and regular evaluation of the Harlequins Women’s Athletic Performance Programme.• Manage and develop the Athletic Performance department, providing leadership, mentoring and CPD opportunities for staff and interns.• Plan and oversee the annual periodisation strategy for the senior programme, ensuring alignment with rugby priorities and player development objectives.• Lead the delivery of gym-based and field-based athletic performance provision.• Develop and oversee individual athletic development programmes for all contracted players.• Support the coaching team in the planning and delivery of all on-field rugby sessions, ensuring athletic performance principles are fully integrated into coaching practice.• Work collaboratively with the Head of Medical to deliver an integrated rehabilitation and return-to-performance process.• Monitor player wellbeing, training load and physical readiness through GPS, wellness and athlete management systems.• Produce regular player performance reports to support interdisciplinary decision making.• Ensure alignment between Harlequins programmes and RFU/international athletic performance programmes where appropriate.• Work closely with coaches, medical staff, nutritionists, psychologists and analysts to deliver an integrated player development programme.• Support succession planning by aligning athletic development across pathway, transition and senior programmes.• Lead departmental planning, resource allocation, and budget management.• Lead the department’s compliance with Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) minimum operating standards, ensuring the successful completion of the annual audit• Contribute positively to the development of a high-performance culture across the Women’s Programme.Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:• Undergraduate degree in Sport & Exercise Science, or a related discipline.• Minimum of five years’ experience working within an elite or professional sporting environment, including experience leading athletic performance provision.• Excellent understanding of rugby-specific physical preparation, long-term athlete development, and return-to-performance principles.• Proven experience using athlete monitoring systems, including GPS, wellness platforms and performance data to inform decision making.• Proven experience managing game day and training operations, including player loading, session flow, individual modifications and performance support.• Experience leading a department, managing staff and supporting their development.• Excellent communication, leadership and people management skills, with the ability to work effectively within a fast-paced multidisciplinary team.• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and strong administrative skills.• High level of emotional intelligence and the ability to build effective working relationships.• Full UK driving licence.• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Sport & Exercise Science, or a related discipline (desirable).• Experience working within elite women’s sport (desirable).• Experience working across both senior and pathway performance environments (desirable).The Culture and Behaviours we look for:• Tempo – Manages their time appropriately to deliver high performance outcomes, but not at individual cost. Knows when to go fast, and also when its right to give things time for reflection and consideration.• Relate – Understands the fundamental role of relationships in driving high performance and keeps this at the heart of everything they do for players, for the team and for themselves.• Unconventional – Recognises the unconventional in the players they support and the team they work in and understands the benefits this diversity brings to the team and knows how to utilise it to drive great outcomes. Adapts what they offer to meet the needs of the individual player.• Enjoyment – understands the importance of enjoyment in driving great outcomes for players and creates time for this. How to apply Please provide a CV and covering letter (combined in 1 document) outlining why you should be considered for the role, to jobs@quins.co.uk Share X LinkedIn Email