The Purpose: A fantastic opportunity to join the team at Manchester United Football Club at an exciting time in the development of our Player Wellbeing department and play a key role in shaping the continuing evolution of our Player Wellbeing Programme (PWP). As a Wellbeing Program Manager, you will have responsibility for operationalising the football wellbeing strategy, including delivering a comprehensive framework of proactive support for our players and football personnel.
The role is comprehensive, and our centralised approach considers all players across all teams (men, women, and academy support). This role will primarily focus on the men’s team, but will support the other wellbeing staff in their work with the women’s and academy groups. Creatively delivered through a variety of methods, the program will equip our elite footballers with the knowledge, skills, and support to flourish.
The Role:
- Develop and implement cutting-edge policies and programs that promote player well-being, maintain the highest levels of compliance and standards, and are aligned with the club's philosophy and values.
- Coordinate and work with other stakeholders to regularly assess our players' wellbeing and design customized plans to support their individual wellbeing.
- Work closely with the medical team to provide appropriate support as required, for long term injured players.
- Provide support and guidance to players who may be experiencing personal or emotional difficulties, and work with external professionals, when necessary, to ensure that they have the support needed to succeed.
- Develop and deliver exciting and engaging educational programs that incorporate our pillars of wellbeing to promote healthy lifestyle choices, including positive mental health, and use cutting edge techniques to stay ahead of the game.
- Build strong relationships with players, coaches, and staff to create a supportive and positive wellbeing culture towards winning the United Way.
- Keep up to date with research and developments in player wellbeing and adapt policies and programs as necessary to stay ahead of the curve and lead the way in player welfare.
The Person:
- Extensive experience in a similar role within a professional football team, with a particular focus on delivering results.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and build strong relationships with players, coaches, and staff.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with ease.
- A deep understanding of the physical, mental, emotional and social demands of professional football, and a commitment to promoting player well-being in a way that compliments a high-performance environment.
- A willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of the team and achieve the best results.
- A commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of player well-being, with a willingness to try new and exciting techniques to push the boundaries of what is possible.
- Demonstrated experience of guiding and supporting people through a variety of life transitions, educational and vocational pathways
Desirable
- The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Level 5 or above in Coaching and Mentoring.
- The Level 3 Certificate in Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) qualification or related qualification.
- A background as an elite performer with experiences of significant transitions and life challenges.
- A full and clean driving licence.