WSL Football. Head of People and Culture

WSL Football are excited to be recruiting their first Head of People and Culture.This critical and newly created role will lead the organisation's HR function, ensuring best in class policies and practises across recruitment, retention, development and performance management. Initially operating as an individual contributor, the role demands a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on delivery.WSL Football is building the most distinctive, competitive and entertaining women's football club competition in the world for the players and fans of today and tomorrow.Our competitions represent the pinnacle of women's professional football in England, where the world's best players and 24 clubs compete for honours in the Barclays Women's Super League (BWSL), the Barclays Women's Super League 2 (BWSL2) and the Subway Women's League Cup (SLC).To support in this search, we have partnered with BIE Executive, please send your cover letter and CV through to WSL@bie-executive.comKey AccountabilitiesPeople and HR Leadership Lead the organisation's HR function, ensuring best in class policies and practises across recruitment, retention, development and performance managementDevelop and deliver a people strategy aligned with the league's long term vision and values Set up and manage HR systems, policies, and processes and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.Manage compensation, benefits, and payroll in collaboration with finance.Champion an inclusive culture that promotes wellbeing, accountability, learning and innovationOversee employee lifecycle processes, contracts, payroll liaison and employment law complianceAct as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership on organisational design, workforce planning and change managementHigh Performance Environment Foster a high performance mindset across the organisation through effective leadership development, coaching and feedbackDesign and implement performance frameworks that align with strategic objectives and league KPIsSupport succession planning and talent development programmesEquality Diversity & InclusionLead the implementation of EDI strategies, targets and actions plans across the professional womens gameMonitor and report on EDI progress, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and standards across football ecosystemPartner with external experts and networks to build inclusive hiring practises an educational initiativesCorporate Health and SafetyEnsure compliance with all health and safety legislation, including risk assessments, training and incident reportingLead a proactive approach to physical and psychological wellbeing in the workplaceMaintain up to date health and safety policies and embed these into the organisational culture Safeguarding oversight Provide executive leadership to safeguarding team within the leagueExecutes additional tasks as required in order to meet WSL Football changing priorities.Living WSL Football's Cultural PrinciplesFOR THE LOVE OF THE WOMEN'S GAMEEvery decision we make drives the growth, quality, and impact of women's football for future generations.GREATNESS NEVER SETTLESWe have the relentless drive to keep the women's game, growing, and reaching for more. We have the courage to push boundaries, innovate boldly and continuously rewrite the playbook.FIND A WAY TO WIN, TOGETHERWe move as one – lifting each other up and having each other's backs. Together, we unite players, clubs, fans, and communities to achieve greatness.CHAMPION THE FEMALE ATHLETE, ON AND OFF THE PITCHWe celebrate and support female athletes, empowering them to shine in their football careers and beyond.PUT FANS IN THE FRONT ROW Fans are the VIPs at the heart of our game. We must thrill, inspire, and connect with them to build lifelong loyalty.Essential SkillsProven experience in a senior people leadership role, ideally in elite sport, major events or a mission driven organizationDemonstrable experience leading high performance teams and driving organizational culture changeDemonstrates the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decisions Excellent organisational skills and project management experienceExcellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate at all levels Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability.Passion for building culture and creating exceptional employee experiences.Comfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environmentStrong understanding of employment law, health and safety and knowledge of safeguardingTrack record of embedding EDI strategies and delivering inclusive environments Desirable SkillsExperience of working in a sports governing body, or with elite performance environments CIPD or equivalent professional qualification Safeguarding and or Health and Safety qualifications for training