The Academy Nutrition Lead is responsible for overseeing, delivering, and developing the Academy Nutrition programme to ensure a first-class player experience which enhances on-pitch performance by maximising training adaptation and recovery, while protecting player health.

This role is 24 hours across 2 – 3 days and includes weekend and evening work and the candidate must be flexible and adaptable to differing seasonal work patterns.

About the company
Leeds United Football Club is an English professional football club based in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, where we play at our fabulous stadium based on Elland Road, which has been the home of Leeds United since 1919 and remains one of English football’s great theatres and is ‘the only place for us’ ever since. With a capacity of 37,890, it is England’s 11th largest football ground in the Premier League.

Everyone at Leeds United is dedicated to working as one team and to be the best we can be.

Come be part of our fabulous team as we March on Together.

Main job responsibilities
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Academy Nutrition Programme
• Co-ordinate the monitoring of performance measure linked to nutritional practices (body composition, nutritional knowledge, anti-doping awareness, hydration etc.)
• Provide training and match day nutrition support on a team level in the PDP phase
• Create bespoke nutritional support for individual players in the PDP phase
• Develop and implement a curriculum of education for players, parents, and staff in the U9-U16 age groups
• Liaise with staff from other departments on the development of each player as part of the 6-12 weekly multidisciplinary review process
• Contribute to the Academy internal CPD programme and engage in all external CPD as required by your role and to maintain your professional licence

Operational functions
• Working autonomously to an agreed level and in the best interests of the Academy
• Forging positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to benefit the Academy
• Being visible to all internal and external stakeholders and supporting key staff when liaising with parents at critical moments
• Championing all Club and Academy policy through ensuring best practice in areas such as safeguarding, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the coaching department
• Living the values of the Club and championing our culture to help deliver the Academy performance plan and ultimately the vision of the Academy and the Club

Personal development
• Championing innovative and emerging best practice through accessing internal and external sources of expertise to help contribute to ongoing personal development and the overall Academy programme
• Engaging in the Academy staff development programme and attending all CPD events
• Participating in all external CPD to ensure compliance with PL, EFL and NGB standards

Essential qualifications
• Undergraduate level education in Sports Science, Sports Nutrition or similar
• Safeguarding children certificate
• DBS check with children’s barred list check
• UK Sport & Exercise Nutrition Register – Graduate Registrant
• ISAK Level 1
• UK Driving License

Desirable qualifications
• Postgraduate level education in Sports Science, Sports Nutrition or similar Science, Sports Coaching or similar
• UK Sport & Exercise Nutrition Register – Practitioner Registrant

Essential experience
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in sport nutrition
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support player development

Desirable experience
• Experience of working in a football Academy
• Experience of using body composition profiling

Required knowledge
• Understands the current Academy system and professional football culture and landscape
• Possesses an applied knowledge of EPPP standards and working practices
• Understands how a long-term, holistic development programme is structured
• Understands the function of each facet in a multi-disciplinary team in an Academy
• Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of health and safety policy and best practice
• Possesses a demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding policy and best practice
• Possesses a strong awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion

Required skills

What we look for in a team member
• Inspires others and is a positive role model
• Is personable and able to connect and build relationships with others easily
• Demands high standards and has an attention to detail
• Shares the vision and values of the Academy and is motivated to achieve its objectives
• Aligns with the Academy playing and coaching philosophy
• Takes a long-term view of player development and align with the Academy approach to winning
• Possesses a passion for talent development and are motivated to work with young players
• Able to work in a high-profile environment with regular media coverage and public interest
• Is responsible and acts in the best interests of the Academy
• Is open minded, innovative and willing to explore new ideas/concepts
• Enjoys facing challenges and have the resilience and resourcefulness to see complex tasks through
• Is proactive and able to identify and mitigate risks
• Is a collaborator and relishes the opportunity to work alongside others to overcome challenges and achieve goals
• Willing to share their knowledge experience as part of a community of practice
• Able to work with players, staff and other stakeholders of varying ages, experience, backgrounds and cultures
• Committed to personal development and continuous improvement
• Possesses a strong work ethic and are motivated to be the best they can be
• Able to promote the positive image of the Academy and the Club

Equality and diversity
As we are a diverse organisation that respects differences in race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity, we welcome all applications. We want everyone to feel valued and included in the football community and to achieve their full potential. Leeds United is opposed to any form of discrimination and commits itself to the redress of any inequalities by taking positive action where appropriate.

Safeguarding and recruitment
Leeds United FC are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expect all staff to share this commitment. All staff, whatever their role will receive safeguarding training and will be expected to champion the culture of ‘safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility’.

To apply for this role, please complete the online application form:

https://forms.office.com/r/iNsZ4WbM5G