Head of Academy Learning & Development in London

Company Description: At the heart and soul of London since 1895 West Ham United is a dynamic, fan-focused football Club constantly moving forward but always with an eye on the past. Our home at the London Stadium has a capacity of 62,500, making it one of the biggest club Stadia in the country. We aim to create Affordable Family Football with the lowest priced tickets among London-based Premier League clubs. In 2018, our Women’s team gained professional status for the first time and competed in the Women’s Super League. In April 2019, we opened our Academy facility at Chadwell Heath. The Club employs a growing workforce of approximately 300 core staff and 500 Foundation and events staff. West Ham United was awarded the Advanced level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard in October 2023.

Why Join Us?

Diversity & Inclusion: We believe a diverse team drives creativity and strengthens performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities to apply.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to protecting the physical and mental health of our staff, ensuring a balanced and supportive work environment.

Career Growth: As part of a premier football club, you will have opportunities to grow and innovate in an exciting and fast-paced environment.

Job Title: Head of Academy Learning & Development

Department: Education & Player Care Department

Responsible to: Academy Director

Responsible for: 3 x Education Staff & 2.5 x Player Care Staff

Location: Chadwell Heath & Little Heath Training Grounds

Contract Type: Full-Time, permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Job Purpose: To manage and lead all aspects of Learning and Development across the Academy provision.

Our VISION is to build on our iconic history and create an environment of excellence & high standards that ensures our worldwide reputation as an outstanding producer of talented players & people from within our diverse community… all developed “The West Ham Way”.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Safeguarding and Protecting Children
• Educated to a minimum of undergraduate degree level

Linked to appraisal

• To ensure strict adherence to the PGAAC Academy Audit Compliance, Safe to Operate, Compliance & Academy Standards
• To lead and manage the Education & Player Care departments
• To line manage the Player Care Manager, (FDP/YDP) Education Manager & (PDP) Education Manager
• Leading on internal staff development and holistic learning under the UNITEDevelopment framework.
• Diagnose the effectiveness of education provision and implement strategies to progress the department.
• Ensure that the Academy maintains the highest standards with reference to academic outcomes and quality assurance of academic courses/assessment.
• Contributing to the Academy Management Team in a senior management capacity.
• Any other duties as required by the Football Club within the reasonable demands of the role.

Linked to audit tool

• To lead on the strategic planning, delivery and oversight of the Academy Education and Player Care departments with line management of five FT departmental management staff.
• To lead on the strict adherence to the PGAAC Academy Audit Compliance, Safe to Operate & Academy Standards within the Education & Player Care Departments.
• To deliver & maintain the Academies holistic development framework UNITEDevelopment for all stakeholders.

• To provide timely and accurate departmental updates to the Academy Manager and AMT staff where appropriate.
• To lead in collaboration with Heads of Department the needs/support for staff development across the Academy for individual, department and Academy-wide CPD.

• To support the strategic planning and delivery of the Academy education & player care provision.
• To support & manage FT Player Care and Education Staff in the delivery of the Academy provision.
• Regular presence across all Academy sites (Chadwell Heath, Rush Green & Little Heath) throughout the season.
• To support the Academy manager where required and appropriate

• To engage in the necessary CPD and professional qualifications to further your expertise (ensuring all Premier League and FA stipulations are adhered to).
• Perform duties with due regard to Club policies and procedures and legislative requirements at all times;
• Ensure working practices are compliant with relevant legislation and data protection legislation and/or general data protection regulations (GDPR) requirements;
• Ensure, where relevant, that all performance data is captured in a timely manner onto the Football Intelligence Platform (FIP).

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.
• Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.
• The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club\\\'s Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.

To apply, please submit your application via our careers portal: https://www.careers.whufc.com

Deadline: 5pm Friday 3rd October 2025

Please note: Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.