Head Of Coaching & Football Identity Lead

JOB TITLE: Head of Coaching (U16-21) & Football Identity Lead

LOCATION: Cobham Training Ground

CONTRACT: Permanent – 40 hours across any 7 days

The Opportunity

This is a senior and influential role within the Academy, responsible for shaping the development of both players and coaches across the Professional Development Phase (U16–21), while leading the implementation of the Academy Football Identity across the full pathway (U9–21). Working closely with the Academy Technical Director, Head of Coach Development, and Academy Manager, you will drive excellence in programme delivery, player/coach development, and football methodology, ensuring a consistently aligned and world-class development environment.

Closing date: 24th April

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.

Please attach a cover letter, along with your CV, outlining why you think you are suitable for this Head of Coaching role at Chelsea FC

Key Responsibilities

•      Lead and manage the U16–21 coaching programme, ensuring optimal training, games, staffing, and operational delivery
•       Lead the implementation and evaluation of the Academy Football Identity (4 C’s) across the U9–21 pathway
•      Drive player development through structured review processes, talent management, transitions, and clear communication with players, parents and senior stakeholders
•      Develop and empower coaches through individual development plans, mentoring, reflective practice, and the Chelsea Learning Methodology
•      Co-design and deliver Academy CPD programmes in partnership with the Head of Coach Development
•      Observe, analyse, and support age-group programmes to ensure alignment with the Academy Blueprint
•      Promote strong cross-department collaboration to maximise player and coach development opportunities

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• UEFA B Licence and FA Advanced Youth Award
• Proven coaching experience within an Academy or elite development environment (U16–21)
• Strong leadership capability with experience developing and empowering coaches
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including players, senior academy staff and parents
• Highly organised with strong communication, IT, and time-management skills
• Willingness to travel (UK & Europe), valid driving licence, and enhanced DBS

Desirable

• UEFA A Licence
• Degree in a sport or education-related discipline
• Premier League EHoC or FCD qualification

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.