First Team Lead Strength and Conditioning coach

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, delivery and enhance the Club’s Strength and Conditioning provision in line with the Club’s strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the Head of Performance & Sports Science to manage and lead the development of long-term load and athletic development planning.
• Liaise daily with the Head of Performance and other management staff regarding the status and physical preparation required to reduce the risk of injury occurrence and maintain high performance and athletic development of first team squad members (i.e. monitoring and intervention).
• Deliver strength and conditioning support in the following areas;
  • Data analysis (e.g. gym loading)
  • Biomechanical assessments
  • Medical and physical screening + effective and collaborative return to play framework
• Assist with the management and delivery of individual and group strength and conditioning programmes, including both indoor and pitch-based strategies.
• Ensure that appropriate recovery and injury prevention strategies are adopted after training and matches.
• Assist in the implementation and delivery of appropriate diet and nutrition strategies with the assistance of the lead performance nutritionist.
• Liaise daily with the medical department on player status, wellness and rehabilitation.
• Design and/or enhance existing evidence-based protocols for return to train and return to play processes, and manage the transition process in conjunction with the medical department.
• Ensure the latest clinical, scientific and technical innovations for applied practice are implemented while maintaining the highest level of care.
• Create relationships with staff, coaches, players and the wider Club staff to facilitate strong operational delivery and deliver the strategic aims.
• Liaise closely with national teams’ performance and medical departments to ensure players’ sports science and medical needs are met during international duty.
• Ensure detailed records of all therapy care for the department are maintained in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant regulatory bodies and legislation and maintain professional conduct at all times.
• Provide support and guidance to the academy strength and conditioning and medicine departments in relation to the transition of players into first team, and streamline strategies and protocols throughout the Club.
• Undertake personal CPD as appropriate to meet the demands of the role and maintain professional standards.
• Assist in coordinating an effective CPD programme for departmental staff as appropriate.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.
• Be presentable, smart and personable at all times when representing the Club.
• Undertake all reasonable tasks assigned by the Manager.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

• Extensive understanding of strength and conditioning and related disciplines, including their impact on athletic performance.
• Experience as an applied practitioner in strength and conditioning.
• Desirable to have experience of a departmental leadership role within elite sport.
• Experience in conducting scientifically underpinned assessment, monitoring and evaluation procedures.
• Experience of using data management systems to ensure the secure and efficient storage of monitoring and evaluation data.
• A confident decision-maker.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively with players and staff at all levels, with absolute discretion.
• Strong IT skills with the ability to use e-mail, Microsoft Office and analytical software to a high standard.
• Able to adapt to the demands of the job and needs of the players and staff.
• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about the athletic development of professional football players.
• Dedicated to self-improvement and continuous professional development.
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the Club.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essentials

• BSc/BA in Strength and conditioning (or related discipline)
• MSc/MRes/MPhil in Strength and conditioning (or related discipline)
• UKSCA/NSCA/ASCA accreditation
• Valid enhanced DBS check
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• BASES accreditation
• EXOS performance specialist

Additional Information:

• This a Full-Time role
• Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK