Performance Lifestyle and Player Support Manager

Organisation: Manchester City
Salary: Competitive
Location: Manchester, UK
Contract type
Closing date: 2 June 2026
Job Description: Based in Manchester, this permanent full-time role plays an important part in supporting Academy players through key stages of their development journey. You will lead and deliver a comprehensive performance lifestyle programme that helps players navigate transitions both on and off the pitch, ensuring they are supported to develop as footballers and as independent young people within a high-performance environment.

Who We Are

Manchester City is a football club rooted in East Manchester, with a story that began in 1880 and continues to grow today. Built on resilience, belief and togetherness, success on the pitch is driven by the moments and memories shared with millions of Fans around the world. City is known for its bravery, its determination to the very end and its strong connection to where we come from. With Mancunian roots and a global outlook, we are shaped by our Fans and driven by a long-term vision, from developing future talent to supporting the communities we call home. Together, we are creating the next chapter, the City way.

Within our Academy Operations team, we are committed to creating a supportive and high-performing environment that enables young players to thrive. Our Performance Lifestyle and Player Support function plays a central role in helping players and families navigate the demands of Academy life while supporting long-term personal and professional development.

The Role

You will manage the delivery of a comprehensive performance lifestyle and player support programme across the Academy, helping players prepare for successful transitions throughout their development journey. Working closely with colleagues across the Academy, you will coordinate onboarding and offboarding activity while ensuring players and families receive the highest level of care and support during key moments in their pathway.

Alongside transition support, you will design and deliver engaging personal development sessions that equip players with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage the demands of Academy life and future career opportunities. Topics may include independent living, time management, finance, social media and preparation for loan experiences or professional football environments.

You will also build strong relationships with players, families, alumni and key stakeholders, ensuring communication and support remain consistent throughout the player journey. Through your organisation, mentoring and collaborative approach, you will contribute to creating a well-supported and positive environment that enables players to develop both on and off the pitch.

What You’ll Bring

⚽ Knowledge of high-performance sporting environments
⚽ Understanding of the pressures and challenges experienced by young players
⚽ Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations to a range of stakeholders
⚽ Ability to build positive relationships with players, families and colleagues
⚽ Organised approach with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities effectively
⚽ Collaborative and supportive approach within multidisciplinary environments

Why Choose Us

Working at Manchester City means being supported to do your best, with the flexibility and encouragement to look after your wellbeing. We are committed to helping our people learn, grow and thrive in a culture built on collaboration, openness and hard work.

As part of our team, you will receive 26 days’ annual leave plus a day off for your birthday, private healthcare and dental cover, and an annual discretionary bonus. You will also have access to a Health Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP support, and a company pension and life assurance.

You can enjoy a range of additional benefits, including cycle to work, Give As You Earn, discounted match tickets, savings in the City Store, a free City+ subscription, stadium tour discounts, and wider retail and lifestyle offers.

How to Apply

If this role sounds like it is for you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter via our careers site by 2 June 2026. We encourage you to apply as soon as you can.

First stage interviews are due to take place week commencing 8 June.

We work with a select group of agency partners and do not accept unsolicited applications. Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be treated as a direct application.

Equal Opportunities

City Football Group is committed to achieving workforce diversity and we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, national origin, race, age, sex, gender identity, disability - physical or hidden, sexual orientation, veteran status, religious belief, or any other characteristics protected by law. We provide a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We encourage all applicants to reach out if they require any support or accommodations to enable them to thrive throughout our recruitment process. Please contact Hiring@cityfootball.com.

Due to our safeguarding promise, all UK based CFG roles will be subject to a DBS check upon commencing employment with us. This will be either a basic, standard or enhanced check depending on the job role and responsibilities.
How to apply: https://careers.cityfootballgroup.com/job/Manchester-Performance-Lifestyle-and-Player-Support-Manager/1394862233/