At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Academy players through their development journey and manage performance lifestyle programmes.
- Company: Join Manchester City, a football club with a rich history and a global outlook.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days' leave, private healthcare, and a range of exciting perks.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives both on and off the pitch.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-performance sports and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This permanent full-time role plays an important part in supporting Academy players through key stages of their development journey. You will lead and deliver a comprehensive performance lifestyle programme that helps players navigate transitions both on and off the pitch, ensuring they are supported to develop as footballers and as independent young people within a high-performance environment.
As part of your role, you will manage the delivery of a comprehensive performance lifestyle and player support programme across the Academy, helping players prepare for successful transitions throughout their development journey. Working closely with colleagues across the Academy, you will coordinate onboarding and offboarding activity while ensuring players and families receive the highest level of care and support during key moments in their pathway.
Alongside transition support, you will design and deliver engaging personal development sessions that equip players with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage the demands of Academy life and future career opportunities. Topics may include independent living, time management, finance, social media and preparation for loan experiences or professional football environments.
You will also build strong relationships with players, families, alumni and key stakeholders, ensuring communication and support remain consistent throughout the player journey. Through your organisation, mentoring and collaborative approach, you will contribute to creating a well-supported and positive environment that enables players to develop both on and off the pitch.
What You'll Bring
- Knowledge of high-performance sporting environments
- Understanding of the pressures and challenges experienced by young players
- Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations to a range of stakeholders
- Ability to build positive relationships with players, families and colleagues
- Organised approach with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities effectively
- Collaborative and supportive approach within multidisciplinary environments
Why Choose Us
Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work. As part of our team, you will receive 26 days' annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance. You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.
How to Apply
If this role sounds like it is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter via our careers site by 2 June 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can. First stage interviews are due to take place week commencing 8 June.
We work with a select group of agency partners and do not accept unsolicited applications. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be treated as a direct application.
Equal Opportunities
City Football Group is committed to achieving workforce diversity and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, disability - physical or hidden, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious belief, or any other characteristics protected by law. We provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We encourage all applicants to reach out if they require any support or accommodations to enable them to thrive throughout our recruitment process. Please contact Hiring@cityfootball.com.
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.
Athlete Development & Transition Manager in Manchester employer: City Football Group
At Manchester City, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As an Athlete Development & Transition Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young athletes while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private healthcare, and unique perks like discounted match tickets. Join us in Manchester, where our commitment to collaboration and community creates a fulfilling workplace for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Athlete Development & Transition Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Manchester City through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the club's values and culture. Show how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting young players both on and off the pitch. We want to see your passion for player development!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since the role involves delivering engaging sessions, being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key. Try presenting to friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Manchester City.
We think you need these skills to ace Athlete Development & Transition Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Athlete Development & Transition Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in high-performance sporting environments and your ability to support young players through transitions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting Academy players and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since building relationships is key in this role, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Whether it's through your writing style or examples of past interactions, show us how you connect with players, families, and colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our careers site. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t wait too long – we’d love to hear from you soon!
How to prepare for a job interview at City Football Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Athlete Development & Transition Manager inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as supporting Academy players and delivering performance lifestyle programmes. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in high-performance sporting environments. Think about specific examples where you've helped young athletes navigate transitions or develop essential life skills. This will demonstrate your ability to relate to the challenges faced by players and how you can support them effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Academy's approach to player development and how they support families. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the club's values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The interviewers want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for football and youth development. Building strong relationships is crucial in this role, so let your personality shine through to show you’re a great fit for their team.
