Manager/Head Coach

Full job description

Introducing Stockport County Women Football

Founded in 1989 as part of Stockport County Ladies F.C., the women’s team has proudly represented the local community for more than three decades. From its formative years, through reintegration with Stockport County F.C. in the 2000/01 season, to promotion-winning campaigns and steady progression through the women’s football pyramid, the programme has consistently demonstrated resilience, ambition, and a deep-rooted commitment to growth.

From the 2026/27 season, Stockport County F.C. will formally assume full ownership of the team, rebranding it as Stockport County Women — a significant and progressive step in the continued evolution of the women’s game within the Club.

This transition represents the first phase of a clear commitment to professionalisation, fully aligning the women’s programme with the structure, standards, and long-term strategy of Stockport County FC. More than a change of name, it signals clear intent: to modernise operations, elevate performance environments, and establish the foundations required for sustainable success both on and off the pitch.

The appointment of Tracey Neville MBE as Managing Director of the women’s programme marks a pivotal moment in that journey. Bringing elite performance experience and proven leadership at the highest level of sport, Tracey is leading the transformation of structures, governance, and player pathways — creating an environment where ambition is matched by infrastructure and opportunity.

At its core, the programme remains proudly community driven. A growing youth section and expanding grassroots initiatives — including dedicated provision for young girls — form the foundation of a clear and aspirational pathway to senior football. As the Club evolves, it remains committed to honouring its heritage while building a high-performance culture capable of competing at the next level.

This is a new beginning grounded in history — a club rich in tradition stepping confidently into its future. For the right Head Coach, it represents a rare opportunity to shape identity, drive standards, and help define the next era of Stockport County Women

Role Overview

The Manager/Head Coach will:

• Build and sustain a high-performance culture that is inclusive, safe, values-driven, and capable of driving Tier 4 success toward WSL 2 promotion.
• Lead, develop, and manage the First Team with ambition, integrity, and professionalism.
• Act as a steward of the women’s game within the Club, respecting heritage while strategically shaping the pathway to professional football.
• Drive long-term infrastructure, operational, and developmental practices to strengthen sustainability and competitive progression.
• Collaborate with the Professional Game Academy (PGA) to ensure talent pathways from youth to senior football are effective.
• Prepare the Club for WSL 2 Participation Agreement criteria, embedding professional standards early.
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of women’s football, recruitment across tiers, and coaching experience at all levels.

2. Playing Style, Coaching & Performance

Playing Identity

• Define and communicate a clear, recognisable playing philosophy that can evolve as the Club progresses through tiers.
• Embed principles of play consistently across the team.
• Adapt tactics proactively in response to domestic and international developments in women’s football.

Training & Coaching Delivery

• Deliver high-quality coaching sessions aligned with Long-Term Player Development (LTPD).
• Ensure players are technically, tactically, physically, and mentally prepared for matches.
• Encourage innovation and creativity in training while maintaining clear performance objectives.
• Demonstrate coaching experience across all levels, including academy, semi-professional, and ‘senior’ football.

Match Planning & Delivery

• Conduct opposition analysis and deliver actionable tactical plans.
• Lead match preparation, team selection, and in-game decision-making with professionalism.
• Use match data and video analysis to inform short- and long-term team strategy.

3. Player Development & Welfare

• Establish an environment where players feel supported, challenged, and motivated.
• Ensure all players have Individual Learning Objectives (ILOs) tailored to team and personal progression.
• Conduct structured performance reviews with ongoing development of data-driven insights and video analysis.
• Provide guidance through injury, form fluctuations, and non-selection.
• Promote player understanding of tactical decisions and training methodology (“the why”).
• Collaborate with safeguarding and welfare teams to prioritise wellbeing.

4. First Team Staff Leadership & Management

• Recruit, lead, and manage First Team and multidisciplinary staff effectively.
• Support KPIs, and developmental targets for staff.
• Support performance reviews and address gaps constructively.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable culture across the coaching team.
• Ensure recruitment aligns with FA, league, and Club diversity standards.

5. Planning, Recruitment & Squad Strategy

Strategic Planning

• Develop and communicate a 3-year roadmap to WSL 2, including progressive objectives for each season.
• Contribute to a multi-year performance plan aligned to Club ambitions.
• Agree seasonal targets with senior leadership to measure progress.

Player Recruitment

• Identify and recruit players aligned to Club culture and WSL 2 ambitions, with knowledge of talent across Tier 4 to Tier 2 levels.
• Demonstrate knowledge of loan systems from WSL 1 and 2 to enhance squad development.
• Support player profiling and performance data tracking.
• Participate in contract, loan, and recruitment negotiations with senior management.
• Leverage a network and understanding of women’s football tiers to attract and retain talent.

Season & Operational Management

• Oversee/plan smooth execution of fixtures, training schedules, and logistics.
• Maintain professional operational standards to support performance without distractions.
• Monitor and mitigate any risks affecting team performance.

Internal & External Relationships

Internal

• Build strong academy and staff relationships to enhance player pathways.
• Engage senior Club leadership to maintain strategic alignment.

External

• Represent the Club at league, FA, and competition meetings.
• Develop strong networks within women’s football and tiered competition knowledge.
• Ensure the Club is visible, respected, and competitive in wider development structures.

Governance, Compliance & Infrastructure

• Support infrastructure and operational improvements that outlast individual tenure.
• Ensure compliance with:
• FA safeguarding and coaching standards
• League competition regulations
• Respect guidelines
• FA Football Leadership Diversity Code
• Contribute to long-term improvements in facilities, player development pathways, and operational capability.

Media & Representation

• Manage media responsibilities professionally without compromising performance focus.
• Work collaboratively with communications across social, broadcast, and written platforms.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Club while projecting professional, values-driven standards.

Key Outcomes (3-Year WSL 2 Ambition)

Success in this role will be measured by:

• A clear, recognisable playing identity
• Promotion-ready league performance and progression each season
• Strong player development metrics aligned to Tier 4 → WSL 2 pathway
• Cohesive, accountable staff and culture
• Effective recruitment aligned to competitive ambition and Club values
• Positive internal and external relationships across women’s football tiers
• Embedded high-performance culture at all levels

Key Working Relationships

· Ownership

· CEO

· Managing Director

· Coaching Staff

· Sports Science and Medical

· Pathway

· Stockport County FC – Wider staffing group

· Facility Staff

COMPETENCY AREA

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE

ASSESSED BY

Qualifications

UEFA B Licence working towards a UEFA A Licence

Essential

Sight of certificates and development

Head Coach experience at a Tier 4 (or above) men’s or women’s football club or a minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Assistant Coach at a top-tier professional/Academy men’s or women’s club.