Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology
At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.
We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.
The Role: The role of Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology is fundamental to the long-term vision of Manchester United Football Club in identifying and developing the best coaches and the best young players for the Club. The role will be to develop coaches, develop the coaching curriculum and line manage the coaches. As a member of the Academy Leadership Team (ALT) the successful applicant will be a vital part of the Academy's performance.
Key Accountabilities
- Coaching Standards: Lead the design, delivery, and oversight of the Academy Coaching Programme in line with the EPPP.
- Develop and embed the Coach Competency Framework and the Coaching Code ("The Manchester United Way").
- Create and maintain an age specific games programme that maximises development opportunities.
- Set and uphold high coaching standards across the Academy.
- Lead coach recruitment (with the Academy Director), succession planning, and department structure.
- Establish a culture of continuous professional development, ensuring all coaches have effective IDPs.
- Conduct coach appraisals, CPD reviews, and departmental performance audits.
- Performance Analysis: Oversee the use of coaching and IDP data to drive evidence-based coach and player development.
- Ensure tactical and game model alignment with the Manchester United playing philosophy.
- Work with Performance Analysis to develop coaching dashboards and reporting systems that inform practice.
- Management, Governance & Compliance: Ensure Academy governance and audit requirements meet and exceed EPPP standards.
- Lead a well organised, accountable, and risk aware department.
- Work with Safeguarding to promote safe working practices.
- Manage the departmental budget as agreed with the Academy Director.
- Player Development: Lead U9-U21 interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) for player assessment, squad audits, and pathway planning.
- Oversee long-term talent profiling, IDP monitoring, and player succession planning.
- Ensure team selections (U9-U21) prioritise long term development.
- Contribute to retain/release and full time/hybrid model decisions.
- Work with the Head of Recruitment and Academy Director on player succession plans.
- Maintain strong relationships with staff, players, families, and intermediaries, and elevate safeguarding concerns where required.
- Contribute to Academy strategy, KPI setting, and key decision making.
- Help develop and embed the Manchester United Academy Code.
- Prepare reports and presentations for the Technical Board and other senior meetings as required.
The Person
- Essential: Significant experience in a Category 1 Academy or elite youth football environment.
- Proven track record in a senior coaching or technical leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) and academy compliance requirements.
- Experience designing and implementing coaching curricula and development frameworks across the full pathway u7-u21.
- Demonstrable experience in coach development, appraisals, CPD and IDPs.
- Experience leading interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) across performance, medical, psychology, and analysis.
- Ability to analyse and apply performance data to improve coaching and player development.
- In depth understanding of football tactics, game models, and age appropriate development.
- Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills.
- Ability to influence and operate effectively at senior level.
- Strong organisational, governance, and budget management capability.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting player welfare.
- UEFA Pro Licence or equivalent.
- Experience within a Premier League Academy.
- Experience in coach recruitment and succession planning.
- Experience using performance analysis systems and coaching dashboards.
- Knowledge of Manchester United's playing philosophy and Academy culture.
- Experience preparing reports and presentations for senior technical boards.
Personal Attributes
- Embodies the values of Badge, Bravery and Spirit.
- Collaborative, inclusive, and relationship focused.
- Innovative with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Resilient and effective in a high performance environment.
- Ethical, professional, and player centred in approach.
Our Values
Badge - Earn the badge, every day. Respect our history and heritage. Be best in class and deliver to the standards expected of Manchester United. No one is bigger than the club. Bravery - Be bold, be brave, and take calculated risks. Do things differently and innovate. Lead by example and do what's right for the club, even when it's hard. Spirit - Embody the spirit of Manchester United. Show strength of character, act with passion, and fight back, no matter what.
What We Offer
- Annual Incentive Schemeto reward your dedication and hard work
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
- Electric Vehicle schemevia Octopus and cycle to work scheme
- Wellness Supportwith access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
- Exclusive Discountsthrough our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
- Gym Facilitiesin our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team building activities
- Enhanced family Leave Benefitsand policies
- Enhanced Career Developmentwith access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
- A Supportive Work Environmentthat values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth
Our Commitment to You
We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion sit at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Ready to Join Us?
If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please submit your application by Thursday 19h February.
Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.
If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.