Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine

Department:

Academy Sports Science and Medicine

Based at:

BRFC Academy, Brockhall Village, BB6 8BA. Flexibility on location may be required

Reports to:

Academy Manager

Responsible for:

All Academy Sports Science and Medical staff

Hours of work:

37.5 hours per week, plus any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This may include evening and weekend work.

Contractual Status:

Permanent

Job purpose:

To lead the Sports Science and Medical departments in delivering an elite programme to develop players physically and mentally.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all staff, players, customers and clients of the Club;
• Manage all staff to ensure the Academy needs are met in relation to strength and conditioning (S&C) and the prevention/treatment of injured players;
• To continually move the department forward in line with the required standards with an innovative approach through self-leadership and research as a member of the Academy SMT;
• Create and implement a S&C programme for all Academy age groups;
• Create and implement a medical programme for all Academy players;
• Liaise with the Sports Psychologist in relation to the Academy Psychology programme;
• Liaise with and support the Nutritionist with the provision of performance nutrition across the Academy;
• Liaise with parents as and when required;
• Implement a thorough testing/screening programme for all Academy players;
• Collate all relevant data in relation to sports science and medicine;
• Manage the delivery of all programmes that the department is responsible for;
• Liaise with relevant external organisations in relation to testing / research projects;
• Liaise with the Academy Doctor on a weekly basis in relation to players;
• Manage all department staff daily and annually through the Academy appraisal process;
• Work with all Academy players daily to develop them both physically/mentally;
• Devise specific weekly programmes for all age groups in relation to their load;
• Monitor the physical and mental performance of players through leading daily meetings/data analysis;
• Devise the weekend schedule for physiotherapy cover at all Academy games;
• Develop specific out-of-season programmes for all Academy players;
• Deliver on induction evenings regarding sports science;
• Deliver any relevant CPD to other departments within the Academy;
• Manage the department budget and ordering process of all sports science and medicine resources;
• Provide feedback to both staff/players on performance — providing action points for development;
• Monitor department targets and feedback on performance monthly during SMT meetings;
• Make key decisions to continually move the department forward in line with the EPPP requirements;
• Develop key partnerships and interaction with the IJ21 and 1st Team staff— to ensure effective integration and cover duties as and when required; and
• Attend specific meetings to discuss relevant Academy issues and make key decisions as a team.

Skills required:

• Highly organized;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet set deadlines;
• Able to use a variety of methods of communication;
• Ability to manage people with integrity, honesty and empathy at times when required;
• Set goals, monitor and evaluate performance;
• Produce plans for development of staff;
• Time management skills;
• Ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve;
• Ability to make key decisions under pressure;
• Problem solving skills;
• Be innovative in thinking and moving a department forward;
• Ability to evaluate and identify both strengths and areas for development to improve performance;
• Ability to lead others to achieve goals;
• Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team; and
• Confidentiality and discretion.

Knowledge required:

• Understand how an Academy Sports Science and Medicine department should operate under the EPPP rules;
• Have knowledge and understanding of all sports science, conditioning and medical aspects to ensure the effective development of players in all physical aspects;
• Understanding of other departments in an elite environment and how they integrate with Sports Science;
• Knowledge and understanding of the legislation in relation to the treatment of players from a medical aspect — ensuring the Academy adheres to such practices;
• Understand key policies and procedures when responsible for the management of both a department and the people within it; and
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding reporting and welfare support;

Qualifications required:

• Chartered Physiotherapist (HCPC registered) and or Masters in Sports Science or equivalent;
• If Chartered Physiotherapist, must be ATMMiF qualified
• If Masters in Sports Science, must be BASES Accredited or working towards
• FA Safeguarding

DBS Check Required: Yes (Enhanced)