Lead Physiotherapist

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time

REPORTS TO: Head of Performance

LOCATION: Robins HPC

We are looking for a Lead Physiotherapist to lead the efficient and effective functioning of the physiotherapy provision for the first team squad, ensuring world-class medical support services that underpin the club’s performance ambitions. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, setting the standard for best-practice physiotherapy and professional care for players.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Player care and injury management:

• Lead the efficient and effective functioning of the medical support services provided to the first team squad
• Deliver best practice physiotherapy and professional care to players
• Lead in the design and implementation of individualised rehabilitation programmes in collaboration with the broader interdisciplinary team ensuring a safe and effective return to training and competition for injured players
• Work in collaboration with club doctor to deliver pre-season and mid-season medical screenings, highlighting areas of risk to the medical and performance team
• To lead a best practice and evidence-based approach to mitigating injury risk, optimise player availability and safeguard player health
• Be present at training sessions and matches (home and away) as assigned, providing immediate medical support when necessary
• Be comfortable working with the full spectrum of injuries you would expect in a women’s high-performance environment
• Ensure adequate cover for players needing ongoing rehabilitation through the off season

Medical governance:

• Oversee player care and medical governance across the club, including clinical supervision and support to Bristol City Women’s Professional Game Academy medical staff and involve club doctor as necessary e.g. with Cardiac, and Concussion screening
• Ensure full compliance with competitions minimum medical standards and standard operating procedures
• Work in collaboration with the wider medical and performance team to annually review the club’s clinical governance framework and ensure the club is compliant with WSL and PGA criteria
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation of all medical assessments and treatments
• Work with the Head of Performance to effectively manage the department budget

Working with others:

• Communicate effectively across the MDT keeping them informed of player availability for matches and training
• Show commitment to continuing CPD and stay updated with the latest advancements in football medicine
• Line management of the club Sports Therapist, and any additional therapists that may be appointed as the department grows
• Work collaboratively with relevant external medical teams (e.g parent clubs of loan players as well as international teams)
• Develop positive and productive relationships with players
• Play a role in developing and sustaining a culture of high performance, safer working, and respectful behaviour

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Essential

• Undergraduate/Postgraduate degree in Physiotherapy (minimum 2:1)
• Be a registered member of the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for minimum of 5 years
• Have appropriate medical indemnity to treat/advise WSL players
• Have an up to date full Advanced Emergency Aid qualification; this should ideally be the Level 5 ATMIFF
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in elite sport including experience working with elite female athletes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Safeguarding Children and Adults courses (acquired before starting role).

Desirable

• Experience working in elite women’s football
• Postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine or Rehabilitation (PGCert, PGDip, MSc etc)
• Previous experience of managing staff
• Enhanced DBS CRB Check (we will require all employees to go through a DBS check once an offer of employment has been made)
• Have obtained or will complete FootballHER certification within first six months of appointment
• Have completed the UKAD intro-to clean sport course (or to complete before starting the role)