Women’s Academy Manager

Women’s Academy Manager

Location: Manchester

At Manchester United our aim is to Win the United Way – and the quality of our behind-the scenes team sets us apart from the competition.

Our people are as committed to the success of the company as the players are to winning trophies. We offer a unique and exciting working environment, excellent training, with recognition and rewards for the part each individual plays. Sounding good so far?

The Purpose:

To manage the design and implementation of an elite development programme for Academy players aged U21 and U16 with the outcome revolutionising the way we nurture and maximise the potential of every player, Develop an entertaining and winning style of attacking football the ‘Manchester United Way’ and create a world-class environment.

The Role:

• Lead the MDT to coordinate player-centred support
• Line manage staff within the Academy Structure, aligning their priorities to United Performance and supporting their development accordingly
• Lead on cultural change associated with integration with and alignment into the boys academy
• Design and implement an age specific development programme
• Ensure that underpinning documents, such as curriculums, coaching programmes, coaching methodology and playing styles, are in place and regularly reviewed
• Ensure that the Academy is compliant with all FA rules and that the standard of a Category 1 academy is maintained
• Attend Coach Development days as organised by The FA and ensure that the Academy is prepared for FA and other external audits
• Chair regular Academy meetings to ensure that the Academy Performance Plan is reviewed and that progress against KPI’s is reviewed throughout the season
• Ensure that regular player progression meetings are in place to review the progress of all players within the programme and that individual development plans are in place (to include retain and release decisions)
• Provide reports and updates on all aspects of the Academy to the board via the club’s technical board (to include contract recommendations, loan recommendations, player pathways, individual development plans, strategic updates)
• Ensure that regular operations meetings take place so that communication across the department is clear
• Ensure that suitable methods of communication are in place keep parents and players updated on the programme and feedback on player progress
• Work with the First Team to identify players that are on track to join the first team and ensure suitable development plans are in place.
• Work with the finance team to create an Academy budget to be signed off by the board. Manage the budget monthly. Hold maximum levels of sign off
• Work with the safeguarding team to ensure that the programme is safe to operate.
• Work with the HR team to ensure that a suitable staffing structure (full time, part time and casual) is in place and that staff have the support and development they need
• Work with the various internal media/communications teams to ensure the Academy story is shared with the fan base in a positive light
• Build relationships with external stakeholders such as the WSL, PL, EFL, and PFA
• Build links with partner organisations such as schools, professional clubs, junior clubs to support the function of the academy
• Build links with other elite talent development environments to ensure that MUFC Academy remains innovative and leading
• Work across various club sites, Leigh Sports Village, Carrington and Altringham

The Person:

Qualifications

• UEFA A license
• FA DBS
• FA Safeguarding Children Course
• FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) or FA Emergency First Aid
• Effective Coaching in the Female Game Course (ECFG)

Knowledge

• Of The FA and women’s game
• Of the Professional Game Academies programme
• Continuous improvement in the working environment
• An up to date understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures.

Experience

• Record of producing elite young players with the attributes to play at the highest levels of professional football
• Managing the development of players recruited from different backgrounds and cultures
• Developing the skills and competencies of elite coaches
• Management and integration of the coaching process and core Performance Services (i.e. sports science, performance analysis, psychology)
• Experience of creating and managing programmes to facilitate young players’ long term athletic development

Skills

• Excellent communication skills – at all levels (parents, players, coaches, NGB)
• Manage and motivate teams
• Sound financial awareness and ability to manage/control budgets
• Enthusiastic
• Ability to work under pressure
• Pride in performance and possess high standards in the provision of service to Manchester United’s customers and internal users
• Is innovative and open minded

If you would you like to join the team and be part of our mission, to win the United way, please submit your application by 31^st May 2023.

Manchester United endeavour to respond to all job application, however, please consider that we receive a high volume of applications and this may not always possible.

We recognise the importance of safeguarding children and adults at risk at Manchester United, as part of this commitment this post is required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level, as well as full reference history.

Manchester United is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to background, ethnicity, race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics.

Manchester United Football Club are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting the armed forces community to transition into careers outside of the armed forces.

Manchester United is committed to working with and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application and perform at your best, please do not hesitate to contact us to make a request; we are here to help.

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. Your personal data will be processed on MU’s behalf by Morson.