Academy Head of Medical

Bristol City FC.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in the UK is seeking an Academy Head of Medical to oversee the academy medical department. Responsibilities include ensuring player health, leading a multi-disciplinary team, and managing injury prevention programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in elite sport and relevant medical qualifications. The role is full-time with a salary of £45,000 per annum, and applications should be sent via email by November 4, 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience in elite sport.
• Significant experience working within a football academy or professional team sport environment.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Academy Medical Department.
• Develop and implement the Academy Medical strategy.
• Coordinate medical input into Individual Learning Plans.

Skills

Leadership and staff management

Strong understanding of EPPP requirements

Computer literacy

Education

MSc/BSc in Physiotherapy

Post-graduate qualification in Sports Medicine

Tools

Kitman Labs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Organisation Bristol City FC. Salary £45,000 per annum. Location Robins High Performance Centre, Bristol. Contract type Permanent (Full time). Closing date 4 November 2025.

Job Description: Academy Medical – Line Manager: Academy and Operations Director. The Academy Head of Medical will be responsible for optimising player availability, ensuring continuity across the academy medical service, and operating at best-practice standards while providing a high level of support to academy players at Bristol City FC.

Please note, this is a full-time position that involves weekend work and requires flexible working hours in line with the team schedule.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the Academy Medical Department.
• Line manage and support the Lead Academy Physiotherapist, Academy Physiotherapists, and Academy Sports Therapists.
• Develop and implement the Academy Medical strategy in alignment with club philosophy and the Academy Performance Plan.
• Ensure the Academy delivers a best-practice medical service that optimises player health, availability (>85%), and long-term athletic development.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and monitoring of injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes across all age groups.
• Coordinate and ensure delivery of age-appropriate medical screening and health surveillance (including cardiac, concussion, and musculoskeletal assessments) in line with FA/EPPP requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Academy Sport Science, S&C, and Coaching staff to support return-to-play processes and optimise player outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety, and clinical governance requirements.
• Oversee accurate medical documentation on Kitman Labs, ensuring medical records meet HCPC/CSP standards.
• Manage medical cover provision for all Academy training sessions and fixtures.
• Develop, review, and stress-test Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) across all Academy venues.
• Lead on medical education for players, parents, and staff (e.g. anti-doping, concussion awareness).
• Coordinate medical input into Individual Learning Plans and contribute to 12-week player reviews.
• Liaise with external medical consultants, ensuring continuity of care.

Person Specification

The club would welcome applications from individuals who have the following qualifications and experiences:

Essential:

• MSc/BSc in Physiotherapy (or equivalent medical qualification).
• Post-graduate qualification in Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation, or related field.
• HCPC & CSP Registration (or equivalent governing body for other professions).
• FA ATMMIF qualification (or ability to attain).
• Minimum 5 years’ post-graduate experience in elite sport.
• Significant experience working within a football academy or professional team sport environment.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Strong understanding of EPPP requirements and youth development models.
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office and medical / performance software (Kitman Labs or equivalent, VALD etc).

Desirable:

• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary medical team.
• Experience of long-term athlete development and managing youth-to-senior transitions.
• Experience in budgeting and resource management.

How to apply

Applications are to be sent by email to [e-mail]. Applications should include a covering letter (max. 1 page) on the experience you have that makes you suitable for the role and should be accompanied by a current CV (max. 2 pages).

Closing date for receipt of applications: Tuesday 4th November 2025.

Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, if you have not been contacted one month after applying, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Safeguarding Statement

Bristol City Football Club is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. Note: Due to the nature of the role, any job offer is dependent on a DBS check. All information will be kept by the Safeguarding Officer in strictest confidence.

Equality Statement

The successful candidate must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relationships between all internal and external stakeholders.