We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee the development and delivery of Physical Performance strategies across all phases of our Academy. In this pivotal role, you will manage a team of 10+ practitioners, ensuring a world-class approach to physical development that supports player progression from youth to elite senior football. Working collaboratively with 1st Team Performance Services, you will play a key role in aligning long-term development plans and ensuring smooth player transitions into the senior environment. The role also demands a strong commitment to governance, safety, and Premier League Category 1 standards. If you are passionate about performance, player development, and leading high-performing teams in elite sport, we'd love to hear from you., 1. Lead the design and delivery of physical performance strategies to support the development of elite academy players 2. Manage and guide the Academy Physical Performance team, working closely with coaching and performance support staff (e.g. medical, nutrition, psychology) 3. Ensure players in the Professional Development Phase reach peak physical readiness to compete at the highest level and transition smoothly to senior football 4. Design and oversee a physical development curriculum tailored to age and developmental stages, with clear performance benchmarks and evaluation systems 5. Collaborate with the Academy Director of Performance and facilities team to ensure top-tier training and performance environments 6. Support budget planning and management in partnership with the Performance and Finance teams 7. Drive staff development through clear objectives, professional development plans, and ongoing learning opportunities 8. Contribute to the Academy Performance and Management Teams by promoting high standards, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Extensive knowledge of physical development in young athletes, including:
• Physical Profiling
• Strength & Conditioning
• Player Monitoring
• Recovery & Regeneration
• Planning & Programming
• Growth & Maturation
General Skills and Attributes
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage people and evaluate staff performance
• Ability to challenge staff performance, standards, values, and behaviours in line with Academy standards and competencies
• Capable of working to tight deadlines and with flexibility in working patterns
• Adaptability to fast-paced environments
• Ability to develop networks and maintain effective working relationships
• Skilled in facilitation, including managing and resolving tensions, disputes, and conflicts
• Able to influence key stakeholder groups and manage change effectively
• Delegation and accountability skills, Experience delivering high-quality physical training programmes to young athletes
• Proven experience in managing and developing skilled/specialised staff
• Significant applied Strength & Conditioning/Sport Science experience in elite sport
• Experience in collaborative MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) environments to solve performance issues
• Track record of leading and managing practitioners in elite sport, UKSCA accreditation or equivalent
• Undergraduate & Postgraduate degrees in a related field
Desirable Technical/Work-Based Skills
• Understanding of how to develop coaching and communication skills to engage and motivate young players
• Ability to use data and expertise to derive actionable insights for decision-making
General Skills and Attributes
• Passion and ability to challenge conventional thinking with innovative problem-solving
• Experience working in large interdisciplinary coaching and support teams
• Proven leadership of departments and management of multiple direct reports
• Effective collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders to drive strategy and performance
• Deep understanding of growth and maturation principles in youth athletes
• Passionate and enthusiastic while maintaining humility in professional interactions
Experience
• Budget management experience
• Significant experience in youth development within professional football
• Successful completion of NGB audits or equivalent
• Collaboration with national football teams and federations, BASES accreditation
• FA Level 2 or above coaching qualification
• Additional relevant coaching, leadership, or management qualifications to support the role
  
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