Head of Development – Barnet FC

Location: The Hive London, Edgware

Reports to: Barnet FC General Manager

Salary: £32,000 per annum

Working pattern: Tuesday to Saturday, generally 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Working hours may vary according to football requirements, including training sessions, fixtures and club activities. Sunday and Monday are the normal days off.

Role purpose

The Head of Development will lead the Barnet FC Development Centre and oversee its day-to-day delivery, growth and player development standards. The role will ensure that players receive high-quality coaching and a clear route for assessment and potential progression into the club’s Academy pathway.

The post holder will manage the people, schedules and operations needed to deliver a professional programme for players and their families, working closely with the Academy, Community team and wider club.

Key responsibilities

• Programme leadership: Plan and manage the Development Centre across its age groups, including training, fixtures, trials, assessments and holiday activities. Establish clear development objectives and review the quality of delivery regularly.
• Coaching and staff management: Recruit, supervise and support coaches and other programme staff. Set coaching standards, manage rotas and performance, and ensure that sessions follow a consistent Barnet FC development philosophy.
• Player recruitment and progression: Build relationships with schools, grassroots clubs and other relevant partners to attract players. Maintain a fair assessment process, track player development and work with Academy staff on appropriate progression opportunities. Progression is subject to assessment and selection.
• Operations: Coordinate pitch and facility requirements, equipment, kit, registers, schedules and communications. Work with The Hive operations team to ensure activities are properly planned and delivered.
• Families and communication: Act as a senior point of contact for parents and guardians. Ensure programme information, feedback and concerns are handled promptly and professionally.
• Safeguarding and welfare: Promote a safe environment for children and young people. Ensure staff follow the club’s safeguarding policies, complete required checks and training, and promptly report concerns through the club’s safeguarding procedures.
• Budget and growth: Monitor participation, staffing costs and programme performance. Support recruitment and retention initiatives, provide regular reports to the General Manager, and help develop a sustainable programme.
• Club collaboration: Work closely with the Academy, Community team, commercial and marketing staff, and first-team representatives where relevant, so the Development Centre supports the club’s wider objectives.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience leading a football development, academy, grassroots or comparable youth sports programme.
• Experience managing coaches and organising multiple age groups or sessions.
• Strong understanding of player development and age-appropriate coaching.
• Excellent organisation, communication and relationship-management skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to work Tuesday to Saturday, with flexibility around football requirements.

Desirable

• Recognised football coaching qualification.
• Experience developing links with schools and grassroots clubs.
• Experience managing programme budgets and participation targets.
• Knowledge of academy pathways and player assessment processes.

The post holder will follow all Barnet FC policies and undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority and purpose of the role.

Pay: £32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site gym
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work Location: In person