Head of Physical Performance - Academy Organisation Manchester City Salary Competitive Location Manchester Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 14 July 2025 Job Description Closing Date of Applications: 14/07/2025Our StoryManchester City is an English Premier League club whose roots began in East Manchester. From its first incarnation as St Mark’s West Gorton in 1880, the club became Manchester City FC in 1894. Behind each title lies emotion, moments, and memories that resonate with millions of supporters around the world. Manchester City fans are known for their commitment and togetherness, as a Club that fights to the end.The RoleWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee the development and delivery of Physical Performance strategies across all phases of our Academy.In this pivotal role, you will manage a team of 10+ practitioners, ensuring a world-class approach to physical development that supports player progression from youth to elite senior football.Working collaboratively with 1st Team Performance Services, you will play a key role in aligning long-term development plans and ensuring smooth player transitions into the senior environment. The role also demands a strong commitment to governance, safety, and Premier League Category 1 standards.If you are passionate about performance, player development, and leading high-performing teams in elite sport, we’d love to hear from you.This is Your CityAs part of our team, you will be entitled to:26 days annual leave plus an additional day off for your birthdayPrivate healthcare and a Simply Health cash planAn annual discretionary bonusA range of partnership and lifestyle discountsYour ImpactLead the design and delivery of physical performance strategies to support the development of elite academy playersManage and guide the Academy Physical Performance team, working closely with coaching and performance support staff (e.g., medical, nutrition, psychology)Ensure players in the Professional Development Phase reach peak physical readiness to compete at the highest level and transition smoothly to senior footballDesign and oversee a physical development curriculum tailored to age and developmental stages, with clear performance benchmarks and evaluation systemsCollaborate with the Academy Director of Performance and facilities team to ensure top-tier training and performance environmentsSupport budget planning and management in partnership with the Performance and Finance teamsDrive staff development through clear objectives, professional development plans, and ongoing learning opportunitiesContribute to the Academy Performance and Management Teams by promoting high standards, collaboration, and continuous improvementWhat We Are Looking ForEssential KnowledgeExtensive knowledge of physical development in young athletes, including:Physical ProfilingStrength & ConditioningPlayer MonitoringRecovery & RegenerationPlanning & ProgrammingGrowth & MaturationGeneral Skills and AttributesStrong leadership skills with the ability to manage people and evaluate staff performanceAbility to challenge staff performance, standards, values, and behaviours in line with Academy standards and competenciesCapable of working to tight deadlines and with flexibility in working patternsAdaptability to fast-paced environmentsAbility to develop networks and maintain effective working relationshipsSkilled in facilitation, including managing and resolving tensions, disputes, and conflictsAble to influence key stakeholder groups and manage change effectivelyStrong delegation and accountability skillsExperienceExperience delivering high-quality physical training programmes to young athletesProven experience in managing and developing skilled/specialised staffSignificant applied Strength & Conditioning / Sport Science experience in elite sportExperience in collaborative MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) environments to solve performance issuesTrack record of leading and managing practitioners in elite sportQualificationsUKSCA accreditation or equivalentUndergraduate & Postgraduate degrees in a related fieldDesirableTechnical / Work-Based SkillsUnderstanding of how to develop coaching and communication skills to engage and motivate young playersAbility to use data and expertise to derive actionable insights for decision-makingGeneral Skills and AttributesPassion and ability to challenge conventional thinking with innovative problem-solvingExperience working in large interdisciplinary coaching and support teamsProven leadership of departments and management of multiple direct reportsEffective collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders to drive strategy and performanceDeep understanding of growth and maturation principles in youth athletesPassionate and enthusiastic while maintaining humility in professional interactionsExperienceBudget management experienceSignificant experience in youth development within professional footballSuccessful completion of NGB audits or equivalentCollaboration with national football teams and federationsQualificationsBASES accreditationFA Level 2 or above coaching qualificationAdditional relevant coaching, leadership, or management qualifications to support the role How to apply https://careers.cityfootballgroup.com/job-invite/2379/ Share X LinkedIn Email