Head of Physical Performance (Men's 1st Team)

About Us:

Sunderland AFC is more than just a football club; we are a proud community institution that embodies the spirit of our city. 

At the heart of our club is “The Relentless Obsession”—an unwavering passion which fuels our pursuit of success, inspires our players, and ignites the spirit of our supporters. We embrace every challenge with determination, striving to play the beautiful game with flair and tenacity.

At SAFC, we believe in the power of football to unite and inspire. Our commitment extends beyond the pitch as we strive to make a positive impact through various community initiatives, empowering individuals and celebrating diversity.

Join us on our journey as we continue to build on our legacy, fuelled by “The Relentless Obsession” for greatness.

About the Team:

Welcome to the Performance and Medicine Team at SAFC, where science meets sport to optimise health and enhance performance.

Our mission is to support every athlete in reaching peak performance while reducing injury risk.

Through a multi-disciplinary approach that blends sports science, nutrition, medicine, and psychology, we deliver personalised programs tailored to each player’s needs.

We work closely with coaches to balance training loads, guide recovery, and provide insights into player readiness. Mental wellness is also a key focus, with sports psychologists helping athletes build resilience under pressure.

Join us as we continue to elevate the standards of player care and performance enhancement at SAFC, ensuring our athletes are not just fit, but thriving in all aspects of their game! 

The Opportunity:

Lead the physical performance services for the Men’s First Team, with a primary focus on optimising physical performance and maximising player availability. Drive the development of a high-performance culture by upholding elite standards and delivering world-class performance support to all first-team players. Provide leadership and mentorship to the first-team performance staff, cultivating a positive, collaborative, and progressive working environment.

Collaborate with the Head of Performance and Medicine to design and implement a comprehensive performance strategy aligned with the club’s overarching strategy and game model. Monitor player performance data consistently, delivering tailored and relevant feedback to both players and coaching staff. Work closely with the Head Coach and first-team coaching staff to design and deliver a periodised, integrated training programme that aligns with the Club Performance Plan.

Coordinate with the Assistant Head Coach for Individual Development to ensure each player has a structured Individual Development Plan and provide regular physical progress reports to the Head of Performance and Medicine, the Head Coach, and the Sporting Director. Partner with performance and medical staff to create and implement individualised pre-training strategies aimed at enhancing performance and reducing injury risk.

Collaborate with the Head of Nutrition to deliver a high-level nutrition and hydration support programme tailored to the demands of training and competition. Engage with the Head of Analysis and Insights to evolve the first-team performance data strategy, creating actionable insights that enhance performance and increase player availability. 

What We Ask For:

Qualifications
Candidates should hold a post-graduate degree in Sport Science or a related field, along with a recognised professional accreditation such as UKSCA, NSCA-CSCS, or CASES. A valid First Aid qualification is also required.

Experience
Applicants must demonstrate proven experience in leading physical performance programmes within elite football or other high-performance sports environments. A strong track record of staff management and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams is essential. Candidates should also have experience in designing integrated and periodised training plans that align with the overarching coaching strategy and be skilled in using performance and monitoring data to inform practice and improve player availability. 

Knowledge and Skills
Expert knowledge is required in strength and conditioning, injury prevention, recovery strategies, and load management. The role demands strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments. Proficiency in using performance technology and athlete monitoring systems, such as GPS and Athlete Management Systems (AMS), is also essential. 

Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will embody a high-performance mindset and uphold the highest professional standards. They should be collaborative, adaptable, and proactive, with the ability to lead effectively under pressure and drive continuous improvement across the performance department. 

An Enhanced DBS from Sunderland AFC is required. 

Why Join Us at SAFC:

At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home.

You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities.

Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.

As standard, we also offer the following benefits:

-          22 days leave (in addition to public holidays), increasing to 27 days after 5 years’ service

-          Death in Service

-          Pension Salary Exchange

-          Complimentary Season Tickets

-          Enhanced Paternity, Maternity and Adoption Leave

-          Employee Assistant Programs

-          Various Discount Packages including Club Store

-          Free Parking

Additional benefits may be available dependent on job role and experience.

Equal Opportunities:

Sunderland AFC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of treating all employees and job applicants equally. Our aim is that all colleagues should be able to work in an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

Sunderland AFC recognises that the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance within the organisation. Sunderland AFC owes a duty of care to safeguard all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities organised by the football club. Sunderland AFC will ensure that safety and protection is given to all children and vulnerable adults involved in activities through adherence to the Safeguarding guidelines adopted by the Club.