Academy Nutritionist

Academy Nutritionist
Location: Carrington Training Complex   

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals. 
  
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success. 

The Purpose
The Academy Nutritionist is a senior practitioner responsible for leading the delivery of a comprehensive, evidence-based nutrition programme across all academy phases (U9–U21). This role requires strong leadership, innovation, and a deep passion for youth development. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver impactful nutrition strategies aligned with long-term player development, wellbeing, and performance enhancement.

The Role

• Design and lead implementation of a food-first, age-appropriate nutrition strategy that supports long-term athlete development across all academy phases.
• Deliver high-quality individual and group education sessions to players, parents, and staff, with emphasis on fuelling for growth, recovery, and performance.
• Provide individualised support, including assessments, tailored meal planning, and performance-based interventions.
• Work closely with the Academy Doctor and medical team to deliver and review the Academy Player Health Strategy.
• Collaborate with physiotherapy staff to align nutrition with rehabilitation protocols.
• Coordinate closely with chefs, caterers, and host families to ensure daily meal provision reflects club nutritional standards and athlete needs.
• Support players through culturally significant periods (e.g., Ramadan) with appropriate and sensitive nutrition guidance.
• Lead monitoring of hydration, supplement use, and age-appropriate body composition assessments.
• Ensure compliance with anti-doping guidelines and lead education around safe supplement use.
• Contribute to policy development and best practice guidance within the nutrition department.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all interventions, outcomes, and progress.

The Person: 

• MSc in Sports Nutrition or equivalent (mandatory).
• BSc (Hons) in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of full-time experience in a youth development nutrition role, ideally within elite sport or academy settings.
• Proven experience in leading nutrition services within a multidisciplinary performance team.
• Experience building comprehensive nutrition education pathway for players and parents.
• Registration with a recognised professional body (e.g., AfN, HCPC).
• ISAK Level 1 or 2 accreditation.
• Demonstrable experience in providing bespoke nutrition support to adolescent athletes.
• Strong understanding of growth and maturation in youth athletes and its impact on nutritional needs.
• Passionate about youth development, with a proven track record of working empathetically with young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of educating and influencing a range of stakeholders.
• Organised, proactive, and collaborative in approach.

Desirable

• Experience within an elite football academy or similar youth performance environment.
• UKAD Clean Sport Advisor certification (or equivalent).

 What We Offer: 
At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You: 
At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 
  
Ready to Join Us? 
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Thursday 10th July 2025.
 
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks. 
 
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you. 
 
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Korn Ferry