Job Description
We are seeking a passionate and values‑driven leader to join our team as Women’s Pathways Manager and WU23 Head Coach. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the female game in Scotland by leading high‑performance pathways and directly impacting the development of current and future international players.
In this role, you will have responsibility for the strategic development of the girls’ and women’s performance pathway, ensuring environments, programmes and support structures enable talented players to thrive. Alongside this, you will act as Head Coach for the Women’s Under‑23 squad, providing leadership, direction and a high‑performance culture that supports progression to the senior national team.
You will work closely with a wide range of colleagues and partners, to ensure alignment of playing principles, talent identification and development approaches. Collaboration sits at the heart of this role, and you will contribute to a connected system that maximises opportunity and resource across the female game. The post holder will also lead on key programmes such as the WU23s and the NextGen Academy, contribute to national and international initiatives, and support the effective use of performance‑related funding.
We are looking for someone with experience of leading people, programmes, or projects within a sporting or performance environment, who brings strong leadership skills, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. Coaching experience at performance level is essential, and you will hold a UEFA A Licence and Elite Youth A Licence as a minimum.
Above all, we want someone who believes in inclusive leadership, enjoys working in partnership, and is motivated by creating environments where people can perform at their best. You will be resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.
If you are excited by the opportunity to influence the future of women’s football and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you.
In this role, you will have responsibility for the strategic development of the girls’ and women’s performance pathway, ensuring environments, programmes and support structures enable talented players to thrive. Alongside this, you will act as Head Coach for the Women’s Under‑23 squad, providing leadership, direction and a high‑performance culture that supports progression to the senior national team.
You will work closely with a wide range of colleagues and partners, to ensure alignment of playing principles, talent identification and development approaches. Collaboration sits at the heart of this role, and you will contribute to a connected system that maximises opportunity and resource across the female game. The post holder will also lead on key programmes such as the WU23s and the NextGen Academy, contribute to national and international initiatives, and support the effective use of performance‑related funding.
We are looking for someone with experience of leading people, programmes, or projects within a sporting or performance environment, who brings strong leadership skills, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. Coaching experience at performance level is essential, and you will hold a UEFA A Licence and Elite Youth A Licence as a minimum.
Above all, we want someone who believes in inclusive leadership, enjoys working in partnership, and is motivated by creating environments where people can perform at their best. You will be resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.
If you are excited by the opportunity to influence the future of women’s football and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of the girls’ and women’s performance strategy, ensuring alignment across national teams, academies and player pathways in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Oversee Youth National Teams and lead the WU23s programme (including Head Coach role), ensuring consistent playing principles, continuous improvement and pathway alignment.
- Lead and manage performance coaches and multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance culture and robust delivery through clear action plans.
- Lead talent identification systems and the NextGen Academy programme, strengthening elite pathways and relationships with clubs domestically and internationally.
- Work closely with clubs, leagues, governing bodies and international organisations (e.g. FIFA, UEFA, sportscotland) to maximise resources, funding and competition opportunities.
- Continuously review and evolve performance programmes, implementing bespoke initiatives to ensure Scotland remains at the forefront of best practice.
- Lead on key funding schemes and projects (including FIFA Talent Development Scheme), manage performance budgets, and provide strategic input into funding distributions and licensing criteria.
- Support elite female coach development in partnership with Coach Education, and align performance messaging and media communications.
About Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association (also known as the Scottish FA) is the governing body of football in Scotland. Members of the Scottish FA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national and local associations. It was formed in 1873, making it the second oldest national football association in the world.
Our vision is to harness the power of football to inspire the nation, transform lives and build a united and successful game. Through our Strategy our commitment is to build on the successes of our men’s and women’s national teams, our manifesto to encourage future generations to play freely and safely, whilst showcasing the many ways in which football can improve everyday health, education and wellbeing in Scotland.
Our vision is to harness the power of football to inspire the nation, transform lives and build a united and successful game. Through our Strategy our commitment is to build on the successes of our men’s and women’s national teams, our manifesto to encourage future generations to play freely and safely, whilst showcasing the many ways in which football can improve everyday health, education and wellbeing in Scotland.
About Scottish FA