Head Physiotherapist / Men’s First Team Physiotherapist in Walsall

Walsall FC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Physiotherapist/ Men’s First Team Physiotherapist to join our Medical Department. This is a key role within our performance team, responsible for delivering top-level care, injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for our Men’s First Team squad. You’ll work closely with the Head of Medical, coaching colleagues and performance team to optimise player availability and ensure elite-level medical provision. We're looking for someone with a proactive and organised approach, who thrives in high-pressure environments and is passionate about sports medicine at the elite level.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Daily management of injured players, in collaboration with the Head of Medical, Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach and other coaching staff.
• This covers the initial and ongoing assessment, diagnosis, onward referral for imaging/consultation, treatment, rehab planning, gym and outdoor rehab delivery until full return to training.
• Ensure regular and effective communications are had within other departments of the club with delivery of injury reports/notifications to Coaching Staff and Directors via face-to-face meetings, email and other communicable means.
• To undertake medical assessment of new signings.
• Contacting, discussing and arranging external consultations, imaging and other medical appointments for playing staff – in line with Club budget and policy – where appropriate, in conjunction with the Club’s insurance concierge service.
• Liaise with Club Doctor (and Local GP) as required to ensure ongoing medical care of both sporting and non-physiotherapy issues.
• Training and pitch side emergency aid for all Men’s First Team training and match days (both home & away).
• Management of Benchmark54 system in terms of inputting daily training and injury data plus the management of medical notes/documents within the system.
• Maintain back-up files of medical documents.
• Management of the FA’s Anti-Doping whereabouts system to ensure Daily/Weekly attendance and schedules are up to date, as well as ensuring the FA Anti-Doping Regulations (Whereabouts/UKAD) are adhered to at all times.
• To assist in all medical testing and cardiac screening.
• Production and updating of Training Ground and Match Day Emergency Action Plans in case of serious incident/injury.
• Management of the Club PMI.
• Management of stock and ordering medical consumable supplies, in line with the annual budget.
• Recruitment, onboarding and development of medical interns and work placements, in line with the Club’s Safer Recruitment policy & procedure.
• Guide and assist the Academy Lead Physiotherapist where required in terms of medical management, whilst also ensuring between the departments that adequate medical cover is supplied for Youth Team fixtures (Home and Away).
• Carry out duties in accordance with all relevant company policies, including, but not limited to, the Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Children Policy, Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy and Social Media Policy.
• To safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
• To be vigilant and support all safety and security operations.
• Act always with utmost good faith to the Club, Foundation and the Company.
• Devote full attention and ability to fulfilment of the duties required by the role.
• To work closely with partnership organisations, to maintain good relationships and collaborative working practices.
• To integrate within the team in a positive, enthusiastic and helpful demeanour at all times.
• To set and maintain high standards within the medical environment.
• Other duties as reasonably requested by a member of the senior management staff.

Person Specification:

Essential Requirements:

• BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy & HCPC registered
• Valid ATMMiF qualification (or equivalent)
• Experience working with elite athletes or in a professional sports environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Full UK Driving Licence and flexibility to work evenings/weekends

Desirable:

• MSc in a related field (e.g. Sports Medicine, Rehab)
• Knowledge of medical insurance systems
• Previous experience in football or similar high-performance environments

Safeguarding & Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI):

• To adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring the welfare of children and young people.
• Behave inclusively and respectfully, reflecting the positive EDI values of the Club.
• All employees must undergo suitable DBS checks through the Club.

About Walsall Football Club:

Walsall Football Club, founded in 1888, is a place full of passion and pride, with a rich history having had exciting moments in both the lower divisions and the second tier of English football. Since moving to the Bescot Stadium in 1990, we've celebrated promotions, including two stints in the second tier in 1961 and 2001, and a memorable League Two title win in 2007. We’re committed to inspiring our community, offering a sense of belonging, pride, and aspiration. We are guided by our core values of Excellence, Service, Discipline and Ambition, creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and achieve both on and off the pitch.