Head of Sports Science - First Team
- Hiring from
- United Kingdom
- Work type
- Hybrid
- Posted
615,310 remote jobs, straight from company career pages
100% free · New jobs every minute
Show job descriptionHide job description
About The Role
The Head of Sports Science will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards are maintained in the Sports Science and physical performance support provided to the First Team at Forest Green Rovers FC. The role will lead the development and delivery of the Club’s Sports Science provision, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery across pitch-based, gym-based and matchday environments.
The post holder will work closely with the First Team Manager, coaching staff, Medical Department and wider multidisciplinary team to optimise player availability, physical development and performance through evidence-based practice, performance monitoring and effective training-load management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Sports Science provision for the First Team, ensuring consistently high professional and best-practice standards.
- Lead, manage and develop members of the Sports Science and physical performance team.
- Develop and implement the First Team physical performance strategy in line with the Club’s football philosophy and performance objectives.
- Work closely with the First Team Manager and coaching staff to ensure training is appropriately planned, periodised and adjusted according to physical requirements.
- Monitor and manage player training and match loads to support performance, physical development and availability.
- Collect, analyse, monitor and disseminate physical performance data, including GPS, heart rate, readiness to train, subjective, anthropometric and gym-based data.
- Maintain accurate daily, weekly and seasonal records of training and match loads, and physical testing data. Develop effective reporting systems for relevant stakeholders.
- Lead the planning and delivery of individual and group physical conditioning programmes, including training and matchday warm-ups and Strength and Conditioning provision.
- Develop appropriate recovery strategies throughout the training week and match cycle.
- Lead the First Team performance testing strategy, including field-based, gym-based and anthropometric testing. Use results to inform individual physical development plans.
- Work closely with the Medical Department to support injury prevention, rehabilitation and return-to-play processes.
- Oversee the Club’s performance nutrition strategy and liaise with chefs, hotel staff and other food providers to ensure nutritional provision meets performance requirements.
- Develop and deliver player education on areas including nutrition, sleep, recovery, physical preparation and other relevant performance topics.
- Lead the Sports Science and physical performance provision on matchdays. This includes physical preparation, monitoring and post-match recovery support.
- Support the development of consistent physical performance standards and processes across the Club, including appropriate collaboration with Academy staff.
- Contribute to departmental planning, recruitment, resource management and the implementation and evaluation of performance technologies.
- Facilitate and contribute to CPD to ensure the department remains current with the latest scientific and technical developments.
- Represent the Sports Science department professionally and contribute positively to the wider culture and objectives of Forest Green Rovers FC.
About You
Skills, Education and Experience
Essential
- An undergraduate degree in Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning or a relevant subject area.
- Significant experience working in Sports Science and/or Strength and Conditioning within elite sport.
- Experience managing, developing and supporting staff within a high-performance environment.
- Strong knowledge of physical training principles, training-load management and periodisation as applied to professional football.
- Experience using GPS and athlete monitoring technologies and systems, and associated software applications.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with players, coaches, medical staff and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to translate complex scientific and performance information into clear and practical recommendations.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team within high-level sport.
- High level of enthusiasm for working in professional football and a proactive approach to tasks and responsibilities.
- Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with a flexible approach to working hours and job role.
- A self-starter with excellent organisation and time-management skills, and the ability to work without extensive supervision.
- Commitment to evidence-based practice, continuing professional development and maintaining high professional standards.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
Desirable
- A postgraduate degree in Sports Science, Strength and Conditioning or a relevant subject area.
- Recent and substantial experience working in professional football.
- Relevant professional body accreditations (e.g. CASES, NSCA, UKSCA).
- Experience developing Club-wide physical performance strategies, policies or processes.
About Us
We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to ensuring that all are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.
FGR are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment fully. And as an organisation we are committed to supporting staff development in this area. Forest Green is looking to the future – Climate change is an existential threat, and we need to build a more sustainable world.
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at FGR. We’re on a mission to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of sport, and beyond. Established in 1889, we’re also one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
That history continues with every season and every trophy, bolstered by the support of an incredibly passionate, global fanbase. Those moments are only made possible with the right people; those who show courage, tenacity, ambition, dedication to their community, and independent thought.
As the world’s first vegan football club, doing things differently is a way of life. We’re looking for like-minded people that can help create the future our planet needs.
Let’s change the game.
What's in it for you...
- Healthcare plan, life assurance and generous pension contribution
- Volunteering day
- Hybrid working
- Various company discounts (including shops, days out and events)
- Holiday of 25 days (plus bank holidays) & ability to buy/sell days
- Cycle to work scheme, car pooling and onsite parking available
Flexibility statement
The fast moving nature of the company's business means that from time to time you may be asked to perform duties or tasks outside of your original job description on an ad hoc basis. This allows the company to use it's people in the best possible way at all times and helps the employees to make make their contribution in a changing environment.
