Athletic Development Lead

The Dundee United Football Company Limited

Organisation: The Dundee United Football Company Limited
Salary: Dependant on experience
Location: Dundee, DD3 7JW, Scotland
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 22 May 2026
Job Description: Job Title: Athletic Development Lead
Department: Academy
Reports to: Academy Director
Location: The CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park and the Dundee United Training Centre, St Andrews
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent (including matchdays and occasional evenings/weekends)

Overview
Dundee United Football Club are seeking to appoint an Athletic Development Lead. The postholder will be responsible for the Academy athletic performance programme which will support the holistic physical development of emerging talent at all levels across the U11 - U19 pathway. The role ensures a consistent, evidence based athletic development framework, aligned with Club philosophy and integrated across football, medical and performance disciplines, to support the progression of emerging talent towards the professional game.

Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Strategy
• Lead the design, implementation, and review of the Academy Athletic Development Framework (U11–U19).
• Ensure age- and stage-appropriate practice aligned with growth and maturation principles.
• Contribute to the long-term physical strategy for player development.

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration
• Work closely with academy medical and first team performance staff.
• Ensure integrated planning and consistent communication.
• Provide data-driven insights for decision-making.

Staff Leadership & Development
• Lead, support, and mentor academy physical performance coaches.
• Support staff CPD and delivery standards.
• Contribute to academy in-service training events.

Athletic Development Delivery
• Design and oversee periodised athletic development plans.
• Support U17 and U19 squads with training load and matchday support.
• Support players through growth and maturation phases.

Monitoring, Testing & Data Management
• Coordinate movement testing and profiling.
• Maintain accurate data recording and reporting.
• Monitor load, recovery, and readiness data.
• Contribute data to IDPs and squad reporting.

Governance & Compliance
• Attend academy leadership and MDT meetings.
• Adhere to safeguarding, equality, and health & safety policies.
• Maintain valid First Aid and PVG certification.

Skills, Experience & Personal Attributes
Essential
• BSc or equivalent relevant qualification or experience.
• Experience in elite or high-performance coaching environments.
• Proven staff leadership and mentoring experience.
• Strong IT and performance software knowledge.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Full UK driving licence and car access.
• PVG clearance required.

Desirable
• Further relevant education or qualifications.
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health training.
• Additional skills that enhance the academy or club.

What We Offer
• A dynamic working environment at one of Scotland’s most historic clubs.
• Ongoing professional development and access to industry-leading tools.
• Staff benefits such as retail store & hospitality discounts, access to a wide variety of seasonal partner discounts, as well as complimentary tickets for home matchdays.
• Salary sacrifice option for EV's via our Club partnership offering.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of the areas of activity and may be amended in light of changing club requirements.

Dundee United FC is committed to ensuring equal opportunities are given to all and welcomes applications from all areas of the community regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage, and civil partnerships.
How to apply: How to Apply Please submit your CV, and a short cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to academy.recruitment@dundeeunitedfc.co.uk please Insert the job title of the role you are applying for in the subject header line alongside your full name. Closing date is Friday 22nd May 2026. We anticipate a high volume of applicants for this role, we may pause/cease accepting applications earlier than the date specified.