Head Physiotherapist

Cardiff Metropolitan University; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 35 days + 12 bank

LGPS pension

Family friendly policies

Library and digital services

Fitness facilities

Health Assured wellbeing

Job summary

Cardiff Metropolitan University is seeking a Head Physiotherapist to lead the development of our medical services for performance sport programmes and the TASS scholarship scheme. You will oversee physiotherapy and rehabilitation, guide practitioners, and work with academic staff to ensure best student-athlete care.

The role requires a physiotherapy degree, HCPC registration, pitch-side trauma qualification, and extensive sports injury expertise.

Qualifications

• Degree in Physiotherapy and HCPC registration are essential.
• Significant sports physiotherapy experience with pitch-side support.
• Strong musculoskeletal assessment and treatment skills.
• Proven leadership and ability to develop teams and services.

Responsibilities

• Lead physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation across performance programmes.
• Oversee day-to-day planning and administration of physiotherapy services.
• Provide expert guidance to develop practitioners and services.
• Coordinate delivery with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Engage with external bodies to support high-performance athletes.

Skills

Sports physiotherapy

Pitch-side trauma

Musculoskeletal management

Leadership

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy

HCPC registered

Job description

This position is subject to a market supplement payment, bringing the total salary to between £46,970 and £52,788 per annum. The final salary will be agreed upon appointment and will be subject to annual review.

Cardiff Met Sport is at the heart of sport, physical activity, health & wellbeing in Wales’ Capital City. Our mission is clear - ‘to profoundly enhance the lives of our communities, making them healthier and stronger as an outcome of engaging with us’.

We work in partnership with a range of local, regional and national partners to develop and manage high quality sport facilities including, the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Tennis Centre and Archers Arena on our Cyncoed Campus along with a number of 21st Century Schools across the City.

To continue to achieve all of this, we need people who bring fresh ideas, creativity and commitment to making a difference, who want to make a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, in Wales and beyond.

We’re seeking a Head Physiotherapist to provide leadership for the development of our medical services provision and staff across our Performance Sport Programmes and the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Working within the Performance Services team, you’ll also contribute to delivery of physiotherapy support and play a key role in developing sports medical practitioners; delivering high-quality support that ensures the very best student‑athlete experience.

You’ll Make a Difference By

• Leading and overseeing physiotherapy and sports rehabilitation provision across performance programmes.
• Managing the day‑to‑day planning and administration of physiotherapy services.
• Providing expert advice and guidance to support the development and progression of physiotherapy provision and practitioners.
• Coordinating delivery of physiotherapy services, working collaboratively with the wider multi-disciplinary team, academic staff and student workforce.
• Work closely with external bodies to align the support and management of high performing athletes, enabling a high-performance university sport environment.

What You’ll Bring

You will bring significant experience as a physiotherapist within a sports environment, combining strong clinical expertise with effective problem solving and communication skills.

Additionally, You’ll

• Hold a degree in Physiotherapy, be a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and be HCPC registered along with a pitch side trauma qualification.
• Have substantial experience in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries, including pitch‑side support.
• Demonstrate experience of developing practitioner knowledge, processes and service provision.
• Be able to build and maintain positive relationships with athletes, staff and external stakeholders.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values‑based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We Offer Excellent Benefits Such As

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies - take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us

For more information about the role please contact Michael Peacock, Head of Performance Services [e-mail], or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon, Recruitment Manager on [e-mail].