Player Care Manager - Men's First Team

Birmingham City FC; Henley-in-Arden; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham City Football Club is seeking an exceptional Men's First Team Player Care Manager to lead a holistic wellbeing and welfare programme for our first-team players and their families.

Working closely with medical, performance and safeguarding teams, you will deliver support, counselling and education to promote emotional resilience and positive relationships on and off the pitch. DBS checks and safeguarding training are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in wellbeing, welfare, counselling, psychology or related field.
• Professional qualification in counselling, mental health support or wellbeing.
• Experience supporting individuals through transitions and safeguarding awareness.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with first-team players and their families.
• Deliver a comprehensive wellbeing programme with regular check-ins.
• Support players through transitions: joining, relocation, injury rehab, transfers, retirement.
• Develop initiatives for emotional resilience, healthy relationships and inclusion.
• Provide confidential counselling and coordinate referrals to specialists.

Skills

Wellbeing experience

Counselling

Mental health

Programme development

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Education

Professional qualification in counselling/psychology

BACP registration

Job description

Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.

With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is entering an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation. The Club is playing a central role in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help transform England's second city through the Sports Quarter project.

With significant investment across our football, commercial and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success, both on and off the pitch. Our journey is focused on strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing in the people, processes and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Men's First Team Player Care Manager to join our Football Operations team. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the wellbeing, welfare and personal development of our first-team players and their families.

As a trusted point of contact, you will provide holistic off-pitch support, helping players navigate the challenges and opportunities of professional football. Working closely with football, medical, performance and safeguarding teams, you will lead the delivery of a comprehensive player welfare and wellbeing programme, ensuring every player receives the support they need to thrive both on and off the pitch.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive and trusted relationships with first-team players and their families.
• Deliver a comprehensive wellbeing programme including regular player check‑ins.
• Support players through key transitions such as joining the club, relocation, injury rehabilitation, loan moves, transfers and retirement planning.
• Develop initiatives that promote positive mental health, emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.
• Provide support to players experiencing personal, family or lifestyle challenges.

Counselling & Emotional Support

• Offer non-clinical counselling and wellbeing support.
• Create a safe and confidential environment for players to discuss concerns.
• Identify wellbeing risks and facilitate referrals to specialist professionals when required.
• Work collaboratively with psychologists, healthcare providers and external support networks.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Men's First Team wellbeing and welfare strategy.
• Design and implement programmes focused on:
• Emotional resilience
• Healthy relationships
• Inclusion and belonging
• Deliver educational workshops, awareness campaigns and wellbeing initiatives.
• Lead and support the Player Liaison Officer to ensure a first‑class player support service.
• Work closely with safeguarding, medical, performance and football operations teams.
• Support players and staff during away fixtures and pre‑season tours when required.

Safeguarding

• Promote best practice in player welfare and safeguarding.
• Ensure concerns are managed in line with club policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of safeguarding legislation and industry guidance.

About You

• Experience within wellbeing, welfare, counselling, psychology, player care or a related profession.
• Professional qualification in counselling, mental health support, psychology or wellbeing.
• Experience supporting individuals through personal challenges and periods of transition.
• Strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing principles.
• Experience developing and delivering wellbeing programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• BACP registration or equivalent professional membership.
• Experience working within professional football or elite sport player care environments.

Personal Attributes

• Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A proactive, flexible and solutions‑focused approach.
• High levels of organisation and professionalism.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• A genuine commitment to player welfare and wellbeing.
• Integrity, discretion and a strong work ethic.

Safeguarding

Birmingham City Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals within our care is paramount, and all staff are expected to share and uphold this commitment.

All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and will be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the recruitment and induction process.

Birmingham City FC is proud to be an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to ensuring a fair and inclusive recruitment process. Candidates are assessed solely on merit, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or caring responsibilities.

We value diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments to support you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know when applying.