The Academy leader will take overall responsibility for Liverpool FC Women's Professional Game Academy (PGA) and shape the next generation of players. The role is a broad leadership position connecting talent management, football operations, medical and performance, and player support to create a clear, ambitious and high-performing pathway into senior professional football. The postholder will set standards and direction for the programme, lead and develop the multidisciplinary team, and create an environment in which every player is supported and challenged to fulfil their potential. Working closely with the Women's First Team and leaders across the Club, they will ensure the PGA is ambitious, evidence-led, well run and fully aligned with Liverpool FC's football philosophy.
Key Responsibilities
Own and deliver the PGA strategy and Academy Performance Plan with clear objectives, measures, accountabilities and review points
Lead, inspire and coordinate the Academy's coaching, performance, medical, operations, education, player support and talent management functions
Create a safe, inclusive and high-performing culture that reflects Liverpool FC standards
Line manage designated staff and ensure the workforce structure, capability and CPD plan meet programme needs and licence requirements
Provide clear reporting and recommendations to technical and executive forums on programme performance, player pathways, risk, investment and resourcing.
Oversee a coherent player pathway from the wider girls' talent system through the PGA and into the Women's First Team
Align talent identification, selection, registration, retention and release decisions with the Club's long-term squad strategy
Ensure every player has a robust, evidence-led individual development plan covering technical, tactical, physical, psychological, educational and social development
Chair or coordinate regular player progression meetings and document/communicate decisions, actions and feedback
Work with First Team colleagues to identify players ready for exposure, training, dual registration, loans or transition, with tailored support
Ensure players and families receive honest, timely and respectful communication throughout their Academy journey.
Ensure the PGA playing and coaching programme is aligned with the Club's football philosophy, methodology and first-team requirements
Support technical leaders to maintain an age-appropriate curriculum, coaching programme and quality-assurance process
Coordinate the multidisciplinary team so coaching, physical performance, medicine, performance analysis, psychology and player support contribute to one integrated plan
Ensure appropriate player screening, monitoring, profiling, availability and return-to-play processes are in place with clear professional accountability
Required Experience & Qualifications
UEFA A Licence (or working towards)
Minimum of Level 2 National Talent and Identification in Football
Enhanced FA DBS and relevant barred-list status, or ability to obtain before taking up regulated activity; satisfactory enhanced DBS check
Current FA Safeguarding Children qualification and commitment to role-specific safeguarding CPD
Current Introduction to First Aid in Football or Emergency First Aid in Football qualification
Relevant leadership or management qualification
Preferred Skills
Significant leadership or programme-management experience in an academy, elite sport, education or comparable youth-development environment
Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, safer working practice and player welfare
Experience of education partnerships, dual-career support and working constructively with parents or carers
Experience coordinating complex operations, budgets, compliance evidence and audit activity
Understanding of the women's professional game, the Talent Pathway and PGA environment
Experience directly within a Women's Professional Game Academy or Category 1 talent environment
Salary
Competitive salary
Benefits & Perks
25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays and the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days
Contributory pension scheme matching up to 5.5%
Life Assurance Cover
Free financial guidance and mortgage advice
Car salary sacrifice scheme for affordable driving
Cycle to Work scheme to keep you active
Purchase season ticket loans for easier commuting
Exclusive shopping discounts and cashback with top retailers
Will Writing Service for future planning
Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support
Medicash Health Cash Plan for everyday healthcare needs
Volunteering opportunities to give back to the community
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