Academy Head of Coaching

Organisation: Stadium MK
Salary: 39500.00
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 10 February 2026
Job Description: Job purpose: To manage the development of all Academy coaches both full and part time. To oversee the coaching curriculum and contribute to the AMT, APG and Technical Board.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:
• The ability to meet stringent deadlines such as CCF, DAPs, technical board and Performance Reviews
• Manage and support the Phase Lead coaches on the games programme, coaching curriculum and accelerated pathway.
• Ensure a clear and achievable timetable for coaches to plan, deliver and review that includes summer, winter and spring programmes.

Decision Making:
• To work closely with the Academy Manager & Head of Recruitment to maintain the Player Profiling database, preparing the coaches for any likely registration decisions
• Create and deliver a robust safer recruitment programme for new staff and those working through the coaching pathway at the club. This includes those on schemes such CIDS and PPCS
• Liaise and contribute with the Sporting Director and Academy Manager on retain and release decisions for PDP players and loan opportunities

Impact & Influence:
• To ensure that the Academy’s Coaching Syllabus is delivered consistently throughout the Development Phases in line with the playing and coaching philosophy of the Academy.
• Ensure all coaches maintain the FIP and that player development is reviewed appropriately through the use of the Performance Support department
• Create and deliver an extensive and innovative CPD programme that is multi-disciplinary and engaging for MK Dons and other organisations in the Milton Keynes area.

Skill Level:
• To provide coaching support across all age groups as and when required
• To undertake self-development to ensure that knowledge in regards to coaching and coach development is kept up-to-date including qualifications and CPD
• Establish working relationships and opportunities with other high performance industries/sports in the Milton Keynes area.
• Encourage and maintain the Principles/Values of the Academy with staff, players and parents

Communication:
• To attend all relevant Academy and club meetings including The Academy Technical Board, Accelerated Pathway Group and Academy Management Team meetings.
• To attend relevant external meetings including EFL, LFE, Premier League and FA meetings
• Ability to liaise with coaches, management and other football related individuals in a professional manner

Budget Management:
• To ensure all football staffing and staff training and training equipment sits inside the allocated budget
• To economically manage the Academy Coaching Department budget.
• Meet with the Academy Manager monthly to discuss and maintain budget.
• Seek and explore opportunities for additional staff through CIDS, PPCS and FA Club Placement programme. Ensuring that the paperwork is completed on time.

Lead & Develop:
• To manage all the FT coaching staff and overseeing their annual Personal Development Reviews (PDR’s)
• Develop the FT Phase Lead staff to deliver the PDR to phase specific coaches
• To review and develop the Coaching Curriculum aligning with the Club Philosophy. Measuring the impact across the Academy throughout the season utilising other departments such as Analysis
• Align the CPD and the Coaching Competency Framework (CCF) ensuring every coach has a personalised Development Action Plan (DAP)
• Manage the succession planning of coaching staff throughout the Academy from volunteer, part-time and full-time positions.

Operating Parameters:
• To complete and keep up to date the relevant and required administration including the FIP
• Ensure that all coaching staff hold and are up-to-date in regards to their qualifications and CPD relevant to their role in the Academy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Have a flexible attitude to work
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Have the drive and enthusiasm to set high standards and achieve company objectives
• Knowledge and understanding of EFL Youth Development Rules

Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:
• Be prepared to work evenings and weekends – E
• UEFA A Coaching Licence - E
• FA Advanced Youth Award - E
• FA Safeguarding Children Qualification - E
• EFAIF - E
• Enhanced DBS Check -E
• Previous experience of working within a Professional Football Academy - D
• Coach Education experience - D
• Youth Coaching experience - D
• EHOC Qualification - D

Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people (CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.

Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.
How to apply: To apply for this role please visit : Academy Head of Coaching in Milton Keynes - EFL (English Football League) Please note this vacancy closes at 5pm Tuesday 10th February 2026.