Head of Pathway & Transition

Harlequin Football Club Ltd; Guildford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier sports organization is seeking a dedicated Women’s Head of Pathway & Transition to oversee the progression and development of their Women’s Rugby Pathway. This role involves managing the coaching team and working with U19–U23 players, ensuring effective player development and building strong partnerships with local clubs and educational institutions. Candidates should possess an RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification and have a solid background in rugby union, demonstrating excellent skills in organization and relationship management.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in performance or development rugby environments.
• Experience managing players and staff in a rugby program.
• Understanding of player development processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pathway coaching team and manage pathway development.
• Support player development and track player progression.
• Act as a liaison with external partners and stakeholders.

Skills

RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification

Detailed tactical and technical knowledge of rugby union

Excellent organisation and time management skills

Education

RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification

Job description

Organisation Harlequin Football Club Ltd Salary 32-35k per annum doe Location Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford Surrey, GU2 7AD Contract type Fixed Term (Full time) Closing date 6 January 2026 Interview date 14 January 2026 Job Description The role in brief :

The Women’s Head of Pathway & Transition is responsible for the overall success and development of the Harlequins Women’s Pathway. Working closely with the Head of Women’s Rugby, the postholder will lead the day-to-day management and delivery of the pathway and affiliated programmes. They will play a key role within the Harlequins Women coaching and support team, contributing to the identification, development, and transition of future Harlequins players.

The Details :

• Based at our Training Ground : Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, GU2 7AD
• Reports to Head of Women’s Rugby
• Full-time, fixed term contract up to June 2027
• A work schedule which will require work on evenings and weekends

Duties and responsibilities

Pathway Leadership & Delivery

• Support the Head of Women’s Rugby with the development of the Women’s Pathway.
• Lead and manage the pathway coaching team, working collaboratively with medical, athletic development, performance analysis, operations and welfare staff.
• Oversee the development, training and playing programmes for U19–U23 players registered or dual-registered with Harlequins Women.
• Deliver agreed projects as directed by the Head of Women’s Rugby.

Player Development & Tracking

• Work with U19–U23 players based at dual-registered clubs and the University of Surrey who have been identified as potential future Harlequins players.
• Review player progress regularly through analysis, feedback and collaborative planning.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date player tracking information is shared with the senior coaching team to maximise transition opportunities.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for external partners including Guildford RFC, the University of Surrey, Worthing College and national performance pathways.
• Support the delivery of the University of Surrey Women’s Performance Rugby Programme, ensuring alignment to WBSR Minimum Operating Standards and driving progression towards BUCS Women’s Super Rugby.
• Grow college partnerships and manage the day-to-day relationship with Worthing College, supporting programme delivery, recruitment, and player transitions into university or senior rugby.

Talent Identification & Recruitment

• Lead on the identification and recruitment of U18–U23 talent into Harlequins Women and / or the University of Surrey.
• Attend England U18 / U20, BUCS, PDG and ACE fixtures to identify players with the potential to progress into the Harlequins environment.

The Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed

• RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification.
• Be able to demonstrate detailed tactical and technical knowledge of rugby union.
• Experience of delivering in a performance OR development rugby environment and experience of coaching developing players.
• Have detailed knowledge and understanding of player development and how to best support the development process.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Experience of running or managing a rugby programme (Desirable)
• Experience of managing staff and recruiting players to a team or organisation. (Desirable)
• Forwards specialist coach. (Desirable)
• Experience of university rugby and knowledge of BUCS (Desirable)
• Knowledge of pathway, domestic and international women’s rugby. (Desirable)
• Experience of providing pastoral support to players transitioning to senior rugby. (Desirable)

The Culture and Behaviours we look for :

• Tempo – Manages their time appropriately to deliver high performance outcomes, but not at individual cost. Knows when to go fast, and when its right to give things time for reflection and consideration.
• Relate – Understands the fundamental role of relationships in driving high performance and keeps this at the heart of everything they do for players, for the team and for themselves.
• Unconventional – Recognises the unconventional in the players they support and the team they work in and understands the benefits this diversity brings to the team and knows how to utilise it to drive great outcomes. Adapts what they offer to meet the needs of the individual player.
• Enjoyment – understands the importance of enjoyment in driving great outcomes for players and creates time for this.