At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the medical team for the NFL Academy, ensuring athlete health and performance.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, the UK's top sports university with a global reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, competitive pay, and access to world-class facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' lives in a unique global academy.
- Qualifications: Strong clinical expertise and leadership experience in high-performance medical settings.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career development opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Job Reference: REQ
Date Posted: Fri, 2 Jan :00:00 GMT
Application Closing Date: Sun, 1 Feb :00:00 GMT
Location: Loughborough
Package: Management and Specialist grade 7 from £47389 to £56535 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.
Loughborough Sport is a full-time and open-ended position, subject to external funding (currently confirmed until 31st July 2027). Loughborough University is the Times and Sunday Times Sports University of the Year 2024 and has a global reputation for sporting excellence, ranked QS world number one for sport and related subjects. We are proudly a unique and leading higher education sporting ecosystem, the only ever winners of the British Universities and Colleges Sport competition, with 43 successive victories. A UK Sport–accredited Elite Training Centre and home to over 15 national sporting governing bodies, our ecosystem is closely connected with a world-leading network of performance partners.
We are now recruiting a key leader to support the performance partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and Loughborough College, forming the NFL’s only global Academy. The NFL Academy is a major international initiative driven by the NFL, providing young people aged 16–19 from around the world with the opportunity to combine their education with life-skills development and high-performance training in American football, supported by full-time professional coaches and performance staff.
As part of Loughborough University’s elite performance sport environment, you will join a team with a proven track record of developing hundreds of elite and world-class athletes, including Olympic and Paralympic champions. You will play an essential role in supporting the health, welfare, and performance readiness of NFL Academy athletes, contributing to the growth and professionalisation of American Football in the UK and internationally.
The successful candidate will work with the Head of Performance to lead and manage a Medical team to deliver Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) stipulated by the NFL. You will bring exceptional clinical expertise, strategic leadership and experience in high-performance medical provision, ensuring best-practice injury prevention, world-class rehabilitation pathways, clinical governance and maximised athlete availability. The role requires strong critical thinking skills, a passion for solving complex medical and performance challenges and an ability to integrate medical strategy within an interdisciplinary performance model.
This position will require flexible working patterns, including some evening and weekend work, as well as attendance at fixtures. Please note that appointment to this role will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service statement.
For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Contact for informal enquiries: Darren Mustin, Head of Performance Services / Lead S&C Coach (NFL Academy).
Closing date for receipt of applications: 1st February 2026
Interview date: week commencing 23rd February 2026
Loughborough University is committed to achieving equity and valuing diversity in all aspects of employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. As one of the country's leading universities we understand the importance of investing in our staff and their professional development.
Our Benefits:
- Time off: generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work: access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial wellbeing: competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you: through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and wellbeing: discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability: access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Head of Medical NFL Academy in Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Medical NFL Academy in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to Loughborough University or the NFL. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the NFL Academy and its goals. Show us you’re passionate about developing young athletes and how your expertise aligns with their mission. Tailor your answers to reflect their values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show us you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Medical NFL Academy in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Medical NFL Academy role. Highlight your relevant experience in high-performance medical provision and how it aligns with the NFL's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your strategic leadership abilities! Share examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure environment, especially in sports or medical settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and practices in sports medicine and performance management. Familiarise yourself with the NFL Academy's mission and how your expertise can contribute to their goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely invested in the academy's success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Medical, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you foster collaboration and drive results, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about potential medical challenges athletes might face and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the panel. Inquire about the integration of medical strategies within the performance model or how they measure the success of their medical team. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your strategic mindset.