Job Description

To lead, manage and deliver the Sports Science provision for the performance development of 1st Team players. To act as the Club head for Sports Science and ensure the effective and optimal operation of the multi-disciplinary team and drive both development and performance of all players.

Department & Reporting

• Department: 1st Team
• Reports to: Sporting Director
• Direct Reports: Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Scientist and Performance Nutritionist (PT), MSc placement students
• Key Relationships: Head Coach, Technical Coaching Staff, Head of Medical, Head Physiotherapist, Physiotherapists, Soft Tissue Therapist, Head of Football Operations, Head Chef, Head of Performance Analysis

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and deliver the Club's Sports Science provision in line with the Club’s strategic objectives - to keep all players available and in optimum condition to deal with the physical demands of the head coach tactical strategy.
• Communicate and collaborate with management staff regarding the condition and physical readiness of 1st Team players.
• Manage and deliver on-pitch physical preparation (in-line with the head coaches philosophy).
• Review and critique current Performance department strategy, and redesign as appropriate.
• Ensure data collection is maintained to the highest standard and utilised in a rational and objective manner, in line with Sports Science OKRs.
• Maintain detailed records for the department of all actions in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Provide feedback to the Head Coach and Sporting Director on all aspects of Sports Science.
• Develop methods to measure the impact of Sports Science within the performance model.
• Encourage an interdisciplinary approach of working within the performance department that includes close links to all areas of the Club.
• Work closely with universities to supervise, co-ordinate, assist and educate the performance MSc work placement students.
• Participate in internal and external professional development activities and demonstrate a commitment to undertake on-going formal education programmes.
• Ensure relevant and appropriate staff development using CPD and development plans to continuously develop and enhance individual and department performance.
• Carry out any other reasonable management requests.

General Duties

• Follow all [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Policies, such as Equality & Diversity, Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Anti-Corruption & Bribery and GDPR.
• Adhere to a strict Code of Confidentiality in respect of any information relating to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and its operation.
• Make suggestions to improve the working environment and contribute to positive employee relations within your area of work and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] as a whole.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other employees and members of the public who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
• Comply with all aspects of the [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Health and Safety Policy and Arrangements, to enable the Company to perform its civil and statutory obligations in relation to Health & Safety.
• Ensure effective communication within your work team and across [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] whilst actively offering support and guidance, as necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree in Sport Science, S&C or related subject.
• Postgraduate degree in Sport Science, S&C, Sports Rehabilitation, or related subject.
• Recognised certification in S&C related competence (e.g., UKSCA, ASCA etc.).
• FA First Aid (BFAS) Certificate.
• Enhanced DBS clearance

Desirable:

• BASES HPSA (currently working towards or achievable to submit within 6 months of employment).
• UEFA B Coaching Licence.
• Evidence of an extensive and structured CPD portfolio.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 5 years post MSc qualification experience in the provision of Sports Science to professional players in an elite sporting environment.
• A minimum of 2 years leading and managing a Sports Science/S&C department.
• Extensive evidence of planning and delivering physical performance programming (gym and pitch based) in an elite sporting environment.
• Proven experience of communicating and disseminating knowledge and information of physical development and performance within a high-performance environment.
• Experience of working in pressurised situations and to deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and IT skills.
• Ability to adapt and change at short notice.

Desirable:

• A minimum of 3 years working full-time within professional football.

Personal Qualities

• Proactive mentality.
• Thinks ahead with a “can do” attitude.
• Generates innovative ideas.
• Works well in a cognitively diverse performance department.
• Loyal and committed.
• Ability to adapt quickly.
• Strong team ethos.
• Takes pride in ensuring a high quality of work.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
• High level of confidentiality.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Invested in continuous personal development.

Application Information

The closing date for this vacancy will be 5pm on Friday 11th August 2023. If you believe you have the right mix of skills for this position, please complete the Application Form available here. Please note CV’s will not be accepted.

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] strives to ensure it provides an environment where everyone's rights, dignity and individual worth is respected and takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equal Opportunity is an integral part of our recruitment and selection process, and we welcome applications from all individuals who feel they meet the core requirements of the role. We are particularly encouraging applications from women, disabled people and individuals from diverse ethnic communities who are currently under-represented within the organisation. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role. The Company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people involved in activities and event at the Company. As part of the Company’s recruitment and selection process any offers of work involving working in regulated activity with children are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS Disclosure and barred list check (depending on the level of supervision, frequency, and nature of contact with children). Appropriate references are also required. Should an adequate number of applications be received prior to the closing date, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] reserve the right to remove this advert. Due to a high demand in applications the Club will be unable to respond to those applicants who have not been shortlisted for interview.