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- Tasks: Lead the development of physical performance strategies for academy players.
- Company: Join Manchester City, a prestigious Premier League club with a rich history and passionate fanbase.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, private healthcare, birthday off, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' journeys to elite football while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge in physical development and experience in managing high-performing teams required.
- Other info: This role involves collaboration with top professionals and a commitment to excellence in player development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Closing Date of Applications – 14/07/2025
Our Story
Manchester City is an English Premier League club whose roots began in East Manchester. From its first incarnation as St Mark’s West Gorton in 1880, the club became Manchester City FC in 1894. Behind each title lies emotion, moments and memories that resonate with millions of supporters around the world. Manchester City fans are known for their commitment and togetherness, as a Club that fights to the end.
The role
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.
This is Your City
As part of our team, you will be entitled to 26 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthday, private healthcare and a simply health cash plan, an annual discretionary bonus, plus a range of partnership and lifestyle discounts.
Your Impact
What we are looking for
Essential
Knowledge
- 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
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Qualifications
- BASES accreditation
- FA Level 2 or above coaching qualification
- Additional relevant coaching, leadership, or management qualifications to support the role
City Football Group promotes equal opportunities in employment and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose skills and experience seem to meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you only if you are selected for an interview.
Employment is subject to the provision of proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.
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Head of Physical Performance - Academy employer: City Football Group
Contact Detail:
City Football Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Physical Performance - Academy
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sports performance field, especially those who have experience in youth development and elite sport. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in physical performance.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by engaging in community projects or coaching initiatives that focus on youth athletes. This will not only enhance your CV but also demonstrate your commitment to player development and your ability to manage teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Manchester City's Academy structure and their approach to physical performance. Understanding their specific methodologies and values will help you align your application with their expectations and show that you're a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-disciplinary teams during interviews. Highlight examples where you've successfully collaborated with coaches, medical staff, and other stakeholders to enhance player performance, as this is crucial for the Head of Physical Performance role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Physical Performance - Academy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in physical performance and youth development. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements in managing teams or programmes that align with the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for player development and your vision for the Academy's physical performance strategies. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to Manchester City's goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, such as UKSCA accreditation and any coaching certifications. Mention your educational background in related fields, ensuring it aligns with the expectations outlined in the job description.
Showcase Collaborative Experience: Since the role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with multidisciplinary teams to solve performance issues or enhance training programmes.
How to prepare for a job interview at City Football Group
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Physical Performance, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams, resolving conflicts, and driving performance standards. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to success in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Youth Development
You need to have a deep understanding of physical development in young athletes. Be ready to talk about your experience with physical profiling, strength and conditioning, and recovery strategies. Highlight any innovative approaches you've implemented in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
This role requires working closely with various departments. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Think of examples where you influenced key stakeholders or managed change effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Academy values high standards and continuous improvement. Be ready to share how you've driven staff development through professional development plans and ongoing learning opportunities. Discuss any initiatives you've led that improved performance outcomes.
