Head Of Physiotherapy

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About The Role

The Head of Physiotherapy will lead the delivery of physiotherapy services across Oxford United Football Club, ensuring the highest standards of injury prevention, rehabilitation, and player care. Working closely with the Head of Performance, Sports Science, and Performance staff, the role is central to maximising player availability and supporting team success on the pitch.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the physiotherapy team, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development.
• Coordinate physiotherapy provision across the men's First Team.
• Develop, implement, and monitor best-practice physiotherapy protocols in line with EFL/FA standards.
• Lead and deliver the pre-signing medical process.
• Lead daily medical pre-training individual player management meeting.
• Revise and update Standard Operating Procedures.

Player Care and Rehabilitation

• Oversee assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injured players, ensuring evidence-based and progressive practice.
• Design and deliver individualised rehabilitation programmes to optimise return-to-play outcomes.
• Liaise with coaching staff on player availability, workload, and progression.

Injury Prevention and Performance Support

• Lead on injury surveillance and risk reduction strategies across the playing squad.
• Collaborate with sports science staff to integrate load monitoring, recovery strategies, and preventative care.
• Provide feedback to the Head of Performance on all aspects of physiotherapy provision, including individual case management discussions.
• Ensure medical screening, musculoskeletal profiling, and ongoing monitoring are carried out effectively.

Communication and Collaboration

• Act as the primary point of contact between medical staff, players, coaches, and senior management regarding physiotherapy matters.
• Maintain accurate medical records in line with governance and regulatory requirements.
• Establish strong working relationships with external consultants, hospitals, and rehabilitation providers.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including physiotherapists, physical performance coaches and technical staff to optimise player physical development, health, and performance.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure all physiotherapy practices are aligned with CSP, HCPC, FA, and EFL medical standards.
• Lead on audits, clinical governance, and continuous improvement within the physiotherapy department.
• Uphold the highest standards of medical ethics, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

About The Candidate

Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential Requirements

• BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy.
• HCPC and CSP registered.
• Minimum 5 years' experience working within elite sport, preferably professional football.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Strong background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation, and return-to-play.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Requirements

• MSc or higher qualification in Sports Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, or related field.
• Experience working in the EFL, Premier League, or equivalent elite sporting environment.
• Knowledge of sports science principles and their integration into physiotherapy practice.
• Familiarity with medical data systems (e.g., Edge10, Teambuildr, Power BI).

This role will have regular contact with children and young adults, and it is therefore required to have a DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check.

About The Club