Football Development Director in Norwich

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Norwich City Football Club as Football Development Director. This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the long‑term football identity of Norwich City, driving the development of future First Team players within a Category 1 Academy environment. Working closely with the Sporting Director and Assistant Sporting Director, the Football Development Director will embed a one‑club approach to people and player development that supports First Team needs, long‑term squad planning, and sustainable talent formation.

The role provides strategic direction across all Academy functions, including the coaching curriculum, playing style philosophy, and interdisciplinary player development. This role will assume line management of the Academy Manager and Head of Coach Development and in doing so will cultivate a high‑performance culture, maximise the progression of home‑grown talent, and protect and enhance the Club’s Category 1 Academy status and reputation. This role offers an outstanding opportunity for a senior football leader to shape an aligned, high‑performance player pathway from Academy through to the First Team, offering a unique opportunity to influence the Club’s long‑term success.

Key tasks / Responsibilities

• Leading Academy squad planning, succession planning and loan strategy, working with football leadership to ensure players have clear development objectives and progression opportunities.
• Play a leading role in youth player recruitment, retention and contractual management including transfers, registrations and the monitoring of Academy players on loan.
• Champion the use of data, analysis and objective insight within player development, ensuring that Individual Development Plans (IDPs) are robust, reviewed and effectively applied.
• Chair and lead the Academy Senior Leadership Team driving standards across coaching, performance support and operational functions.
• Represent the Club across football authorities, governing bodies and external partners ensuring strong relationships, governance compliance and continued Category 1 audit readiness.
• Act in a manner that supports the Club’s Values of Growth, Integrity, Belonging, Resilience, Pride and Commitment.

Benefits

• Complimentary matchday ticket for home fixtures
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Enhanced family friendly leave policies
• Pension Scheme with Royal London
• Access to Reward Gateway recognition and discount platform
• Enhanced CPD opportunities and structured professional development pathways.
• The opportunity to get involved in wider club initiatives through a variety of Working Groups.
• A range of wellbeing support, including 24/7 access to a GP for employees and their dependents, as well as access to gyms and exercise classes at both Carrow Road & Avant Training Centre.

Closing date: 09.00 on Wednesday 29 April 2026

Norwich City Football Club are committed to ensuring equal opportunities are given to all and welcomes applications from all areas of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnerships. Norwich City Football Club are an equal opportunities employer and recognises the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the workplace. Please be aware that a criminal disclosure and identity check will be carried out for this post. Engagement will be subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025) guidance, we may conduct online searches as part of our due diligence processes on shortlisted candidates.