Head of Academy Physiotherapy

Complementary Training; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Head of Academy Physiotherapy to lead the physiotherapy programme across all age groups. Responsibilities include designing rehabilitation strategies, coordinating physiotherapy services for players, and managing a team of physiotherapists. The successful candidate will possess a strong leadership background, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to player welfare and development. This is a pivotal role to ensure the highest standards of medical and rehabilitation services are delivered.

Qualifications

• Registered Physiotherapist with HCPC or CSP.
• Proven experience leading a multidisciplinary team.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of the Academy Physiotherapy Programme.
• Coordinate physiotherapy services for Academy players.
• Manage the Academy physiotherapy team and oversee rehabilitation processes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

Team management

Continuous Professional Development

Education

MSc in Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, or related field

Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football qualification

UK Strength and Conditioning Association accreditation (ASCC)

Job description

Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.

With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation, and is playing its part in once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England’s second city as part of the Sports Quarter project

With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success — on and off the pitch.

Birmingham City Football Club is dedicated to developing young talent through a world‑class Academy environment. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and elite player care, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Academy Physiotherapy to lead and deliver the Academy Physiotherapy Programme across all age groups.

This is a key leadership position within the Academy’s Performance Support Department, responsible for ensuring the highest standards of medical and rehabilitation services for all Academy players. You will play a crucial role in supporting player performance, welfare, and progression throughout their development journey.

The Role

The Head of Academy Physiotherapy will lead a team of physiotherapists, coordinating all aspects of physiotherapy provision within the Academy. You will design and deliver the physiotherapy strategy, oversee rehabilitation programmes, ensure compliance with governing body standards, and align with the Men’s First Team physiotherapy department to ensure consistency across the Club.

This role requires exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, high‑performance environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of the Academy Physiotherapy Programme across all age groups
• Coordinate the provision of physiotherapy services for Academy players, ensuring elite standards of care
• Manage and develop the Academy physiotherapy team, providing leadership, mentorship, and professional development
• Oversee injury assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and return‑to‑play processes for Academy players
• Collaborate with the Academy Performance Support MDT to align physiotherapy with physical performance, medical, and coaching strategies
• Work with the Men’s First Team physiotherapy staff to ensure alignment and consistency across departments
• Maintain accurate medical documentation on Kitman Labs and SharePoint, ensuring confidentiality and compliance
• Manage departmental budgets and monitor expenditure in line with finance processes
• Oversee the monitoring, recording, and reporting of ISO audit criteria and medical data
• Ensure all staff qualifications and trauma certifications remain valid and up to date
• Support Academy recruitment by coordinating medical information and assessments for trialists
• Oversee physiotherapy cover for Academy training sessions and matchdays (U9–U21)
• Lead continuous professional development for the Academy physiotherapy team
• Contribute to the Academy Performance Plan and broader strategic objectives of the Academy Management Team
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the physiotherapy programme

About You

You will be an experienced physiotherapist with a proven background in leading medical or physiotherapy departments within a high‑performance sporting environment. You’ll bring strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for developing people and processes that enhance player welfare and performance.

• Registered Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
• Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football qualification
• Proven experience leading a multidisciplinary team
• Evidence of continuous professional development and a strong CPD portfolio
• Excellent leadership, organisation, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• MSc in Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, or related field
• Valid UK driving licence
• UK Strength and Conditioning Association accreditation (ASCC)
• Experience leading a physiotherapy department within an MDT environment
• Experience conducting audits or contributing to professional networks

Birmingham City FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The safety and well‑being of our players is our top priority, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a thorough background check and training in safeguarding as part of the recruitment process.

Birmingham City FC is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community and assess candidates solely on merit, regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious belief, background, or family circumstances. We promote a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage all individuals to apply. If you need any adjustments to our recruitment or interview process, please inform us when applying.