Head Of Academy Physiotherapy

Head of Academy Physiotherapy 
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 Role: 
The Head of Academy Physiotherapy is responsible for setting the strategic direction, providing leadership, and overseeing the delivery of rehabilitation services across all academy teams. This role requires close collaboration with departmental heads to ensure alignment with the club’s short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. Additionally, the Head of Academy Physiotherapy will maintain regular communication with the Head of Sports Medicine to provide updates on processes and share key insights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsibility for the management and development of a team of Academy Physiotherapists from FP to PDP.
• Develop, lead, implement, and drive the physiotherapy strategy for the Academy, working closely with the club Head of Physiotherapy.
• Lead and oversee the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of all injured players.
• Coordinate the daily treatment and provision of physiotherapy services tailored to individual player needs.
• Create and maintain effective relationships with key departments (Coaching, Athletic Development) while communicating regularly regarding player availability.
• Ensure compliance with professional, clinical, and integrated governance standards, actively participating in clinical audits and quality assurance processes.
• Assess and enhance existing processes and systems, providing recommendations as needed to enhance delivery and departmental effectiveness.
• Perform regular auditing, analysis, feedback and action points of the injury patterns and trends throughout the Academy. Whilst communicating this throughout specific Academy departments.
• Manage, lead, and oversee all aspects of departmental hiring (e.g., interviews, onboarding).
• To create relationships with players, their parents, and coaches to support players' physical development needs.
• Manage the department budget, collaborating with the Football Finance Manager to ensure effective delivery of physiotherapy services.
• Develop and present business cases for departmental needs (e.g., resources, technology) aligned with the football strategy, demonstrating clear ROI for the club.
• Collaborate as part of an integrated and forward-thinking multidisciplinary team, prioritising player development.
• Oversee and facilitate research projects to ensure the department remains abreast of clinical, scientific, and technical innovations, maintaining high standards of player care.
• Ensure implementation of the club’s health and safety, safeguarding, welfare, and equality policies to foster a safe working environment for all staff.

 
The Person: 
We are looking for someone who: 

• Either holds a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy and a Masters in a related field or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a Masters in Physiotherapy
• Membership in the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
• Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) qualification.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding, experience and practical delivery of Long-Term Athletic Development pathway within youth sport.
• Previous experience of working with youth athletes within a high-performance sporting setting across various age ranges.
• Previous experience and deep understanding of youth maturation and different presenting injuries & rehabilitation within this specialist area of sport.
• Previous experience in a professional football club or other elite sporting environment.
• Expertise in physiotherapy and sports medicine, focusing on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and motivating others.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, appreciating diverse perspectives and contributions.
• Passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young athletes, dedicated to their long-term success.
• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of young athletes and dedicated to their long-term success.

  
 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 Monday 30th June.

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